The Life of a Model

I have been very fortunate to have walked three fashion shows this year, Ohio is for Lovers and The International Women’s Air & Space Museum Fashion Show.

Three days prior to this show, my great friend Darleen asked if I was available to model.

Of course I was, October 18, 2025!

I was told to show up at 1:30 for HMU, which I did. No makeup, dressed otherwise as you see here. I basically sat there with big sunglasses on indoors (to hide my bare eyes) until I got my makeup done at around 5:00. I fortunately made a strategic decision on my drive to the show. I slowly consumed a THC/CBD beverage, knowing exactly its effects and when it would hit (after I was finished driving) and when it would fade (well before the actual show and my drive home). This allowed me to simply sit there in a mellow mind set and be patient.

It’s funny, models come in all shapes and sizes, and I saw every possible version on this day. But one thing they all have, which I do not, is attitude and an intense social media and selfie obsession. There was probably about 30 models representing quite a few different designers. With the exception of one other model, a friend and who also walked for Darlene, all were African American. And all treated me just like a sister! The kindness was so sweet. I know when I model, I am more doing so to represent those of us that are alternative. I am clearly an alternative at a traditional bridal show. I was alternative at the fund raiser I walked. I represent and do so with a great big smile, full of pride and joy and I always get a wonderful reception by the audience.

One of the women/models responsible for choreographing the show came up to me afterward as we were taking group photos for Darlene’s social posts. She hugged me and told me I was so brave. That was so, so kind! It also got me to think as I had never thought I was doing anything brave. I was literally one of maybe three Caucasians at a principally African American event, I am trans, I am old and I am not all that pretty. And I was fully embraced and accepted. Glad I never considered I was doing anything brave, more like selfish, but maybe I did…

Over seven hours invested in a two-minute walk. I basically had to leave immediately afterward because there really was no way to simply hang round the event without a ticket. When I do things like that, it is always because I volunteered and helped out and therefore can reap the benefits of paying patrons.

So, was it worth it, investing over seven hours mostly of nothingness (but of course, a makeover is always a treat!)? This is the life of a model, and it absolutely is worth it! Just consider for a second, a 64-year-old male was included within the Cleveland modeling community. Wow! Walk pics soon, but this is the little photoshoot I was able to do once my makeup was completed.