Transgender Contestant to Compete on Top Model

One of the 14 girls who will compete on the new season of America's Next Top Model – which returns to The CW on September 3 – is transgender.

"My cards were dealt differently," Isis, a 22-year-old former receptionist, tells Us Weekly exclusively in its new issue, on newsstands now.

Hailing from Prince George's County, Maryland, Isis identifies herself as "a woman born physically male."

Will she be a role model?

"I like to help people, but I'm here to follow my dreams," she tells Us.

The inclusion of Isis is being hailed by GLAAD president Neil Giuliano as "an unprecedented opportunity for a community that is underrepresented on television.

"We applaud Tyra Banks and The CW for making this historic visibility of transgender people possible," Giuliano said.

Bikini Models at Poko Pano Runway

Models at the Poko Pano 2009 collection fashion show for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim at the Raleigh Hotel.

Lorelei Sowa

Imagine that you are the mother of three young children and that you are actively involved in their school programs. Imagine that you are a busy wife but also a personal trainer with clients and varying schedules to accommodate. Imagine that you are a professional figure competitor with high ambitions and a rigorous training schedule. Imagine that you value charity work and feel that helping others achieve their potential to be one of life’s greatest priorities. Now imagine that you somehow manage to accomplish it all and you might know what it’s like to be Lorelei Sowa, our current Model of the Month.