Before being the first trans woman to compete on America’s Next Top Model (Cycles 11 and 17), Isis King graduated from the Art School of Philadelphia, where she was on a full scholarship for design and illustration, and spent the following year living at the Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBTQ youth in New York City. After her stint on America’s Next Top Model, she became one of the most visible members of the transgender community. She has helped change public perception of trans men and women, and her participation in ANTM has been called an "unprecedented opportunity for a community that is underrepresented on television,” by GLAAD president Neil Guiliano.

Since appearing on ANTM, Isis has been featured in US Weekly, OUT, and Seventeen, and even became American Apparel’s first openly transgender model. She has gone on to design her own fashion line, and cites her main influences as Donatella Versace and Betsey Johnson, for whom she walked the runway last fall. The 30-year-old trailblazer is now focusing on her acting career, with off-Broadway plays and a recent role on The Bold and the Beautiful under her belt. She says her dream role would be “anything that has to do with superheroes,” and we say that’s a perfect fit considering she’s already a living and breathing superhero for so many. Teen Vogue chatted with Isis to talk HG beauty products, what it was like to be homeless and trans, and what we, and others, can do to support the transgender community.

__Teen Vogue: Okay, first of all, your skin is amazing. Since you’re always going to castings, can you tell me your top 5 beauty products that keep you looking fresh?__

Isis King: So, I’m a MAC girl, of course. I’ve actually worked with the brand, but even before that, most of my products were from them. So, for castings and everyday, MAC Face and Body Foundation, MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, a little bit of mascara, Maybelline Baby Lips in Peach Kiss, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentl — because I love a good glow. I used to hide behind a cat eye, but I learned to embrace my natural eye shape. When I was younger I used to get teased for having such big eyes, but now I love them and want them to look natural.

__TV: What’s it like being a trans model in the industry right now?__

IK: It’s getting better. You have trans models landing hair and makeup campaigns. I always say I’m the Kate Moss of the trans models because I’m shorter than everyone else, and I’ve been around now for a long time. Usually, being a novelty, I feel like I can get through more, especially when they see my walk; it's my strong point. So, if I don’t book a casting it’s not because I’m trans, it’s because I’m short. Tyra [Banks] was ahead of the curve when I was on the show in 2009. She opened up doors [for trans models]. So many people opened doors for me, and then I opened doors for the next generation.

Back then, nobody [in the transgender community] was really speaking out. I’m just happy that there are so many more [trans] voices now. It’s not to say, 'oh, we have it easy.' It’s more about saying, 'I have a struggle too, and I got through it, and you can get through it also.' And if you don’t have the support of your family, come out and let’s find that support for you. I’ve learned that family isn’t necessarily blood. It’s just the people who love and support you. Having that kind of support system and structure is vital in the education and well-being of someone who is trans. That’s why I got involved with the Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBTQ again. I’m the only person on the board who has gone through the program.