Exclusive! Our Needs And Preferences Are Often Overlooked: Ella D'Verma

Popular social media influencer and trans-model Ella D' Verma has recently connected with whosthat360 for Pride Month Special. In this exclusive conversation, she shares her experience in the industry, challenges, and messages for fellow queer people. The highlight of this interview is the strength reflected in her every word which one should draw from her personality: she stands tall against all odds.

Excerpts...

On being questioned about the challenges, she has faced in the industry being a trans-model?

She said, "There's plenty, it's definitely worse when I'm feeling dysphoric because that keeps me from being able to deliver the kind of confidence modeling requires but also often times the garments that are on sets are not made for or flattering on transgender bodies; being a minority our needs and preferences are often overlooked in this industry; but of course, all work is hard work and I'm working to deliver my best in every job I do."

Photo Credit: Ella D'Verma Instagram

She was also quizzed about being denied equal opportunities because of her identity.

To which she replied, "Many times, over time I've just built a tolerance to rejection and understanding that just like any requirement, this could just be a brand or a casting team's requirement and that my worth is not tied to booking a job or getting a role; however, there was a time where I was locked for a commercial for a major beverage brand and they canceled on me the day before the shoot because apparently I did not look “transgender enough” for a transgender role; which again that's maybe a requirement for your character but kinda stung losing a big job opportunity after being selected."

Photo Credit: Ella D'Verma Instagram

She has also shared an important message for queer people out there. 

She mentioned, "As queer people we grow up feeling like the world is against us, at times even our loved ones may fail to understand and appreciate us; although this is unfair and not our fault; it's still our responsibility to not internalize the hate from the outside world and turn that into negative self-talk. Our self is valuable and we owe it to ourselves to shower us with all the love we've been deprived of; create opportunities that we've been denied and reach potentials robbed of. I think pride is not only about being unapologetic regarding our orientations but also about your ideas, your opinions, and your ambitions."

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