To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Former Male Model Now Cracking Industry As A Woman

Former Male Model Now Cracking Industry As A Woman

"I'm not afraid of anything"

Anonymous

Anonymous

An LA-based former male model, who featured in Vogue and hit the runway for big name designers, is now making waves in the industry as a woman.

Eden Estrada, 21, always knew that she wasn't in the right body and so began a complete transition from male to female, completing it at the age of 20.

Eden said: "My modelling career started before I transitioned - I was in Vogue when I was 16. It was really strange for me modelling before I transitioned because my body wasn't fully there. Now that I'm doing it, I feel amazing.

"To medically transition was basically the most fulfilling thing I've ever done in my life, because to see your body, your mind and your soul finally change, and be the person you wanted to be... there's no way to describe that."

Eden Estrada
Eden Estrada

Credit: Barcroft

She continued: "The scariest part of my transition was - I have to be honest - nothing at this point. I mean I'm not afraid of anything.

"It was my body and my life. Once I turned 18, I basically made it my mission to accomplish every dream I ever had. So I was not afraid of anything. I wanted the pain, I wanted the surgeries, I wanted everything, I wanted the hate.

"I wanted it all to come because I know that was the price I had to pay to be the woman I am."

Eden Estrada
Eden Estrada

Credit: Barcroft

Eden grew up in a conservative family of Jehovah's Witnesses, who, although initially unsure about her transition, are now fully on board and supportive.

Eden's mum, Lilly Barraza, said: "For me at the beginning, it was a shock. I felt very strange but at the same time I'm now pleased because I see that she is happy, and if she is happy, then I am happy too."

Eden Estrada
Eden Estrada

A young Eden. Credit: Barcroft

It's not just Eden's parents who are by her side. The young model met boyfriend Malik McBride when she was eating at a restaurant he worked at. Fast forward a year and the couple are happier than ever.

Eden Estrada
Eden Estrada

Credit: Barcroft

Malik said: "I had found out Eden was trans right before our second date, my initial reaction was: 'Wait, what?!' Mainly because I already had a twisted idea of people who are trans. Probably for about 15 minutes, I was like, 'wait, whoa,' but after a while I was fine.

"I feel like overall, I have the perfect package. I could not ask for a better woman in my life."

Speaking about life after her transition, Eden said: "I'm not just transgender, I'm a normal 21-year-old woman who has to deal with a lot of theory stuff. There's a lot to me than being trans.

"I think about where my life was a year ago and I truly am so, so grateful. I just really want to be a good role model for people, that's the entire reason I made my YouTube channel - to hopefully change someone's life. If I can do it, you can do it too."

Words: Paddy Maddison

Featured Image Credit: Barcroft

Topics: Trans