NOELLA McMaher is a transgender model and activist. The 11-year-old walked the runway in New York Fashion Week for the first time at the age of 10 and went to her first protest at the age of six. Her parent, Asher said: “Starting at the age of two she was already telling us ‘I’m not a boy, I’m a girl’.” Noella legally transitioned at the age of seven and the family celebrated her name change with a surprise party. Her modelling career started in Chicago and she is believed to be the youngest transgender model to walk the runway in NYFW. She is proud to be bringing awareness to transgender people through her modelling and through her activism work. She said: “It’s important for me to go to protests to support people like me.” The family have been subjected to judgement and negativity with comments accusing Asher of ‘forcing’ or ‘abusing’ their child and they received a lot of backlash after Noella got hormone blockers. Asher said: “This process is under the purview of medical professionals, mental health professionals. It’s providing her the ability to continue living her life as who she is.” Asher, who is non-binary said: “Everyday I am in awe of who she has grown into.” They added that Noella inspired their own transition. Noella will be walking in more runway shows soon and will continue her activism work. She said: “No matter their age, people should be able to express who they are.”
