Munroe Bergdorf

Munroe Bergdorf, if you don’t already know, is a living icon.

The first openly trans model to front a major beauty brand, a community leader, and someone who consistently speaks out against racial injustice and fights for trans rights.

Between 2014 and 2016, shortly after beginning her transition, Munroe began her modelling career, gaining visibility across fashion and editorial spaces. From there, her platform grew, and so did her voice. She began speaking out on issues close to home – identity, race, and trans rights – building a presence that went far beyond modelling alone.

Her influence led to her becoming the first openly trans woman to front a UK campaign for L’Oreal – a major step forward for trans representation. However, following her outspoken comments on systemic racism, she was dismissed by the brand. This moment became a wider cultural turning point, sparking conversations around free speech, activism, and corporate inclusion on a much broader scale.

By 2018, Munroe had been appointed as an LGBT adviser to the Labour Party in the UK, continuing her work as a public speaker and advocate across issues of race, feminism, and trans rights. In 2019, she was recognised as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ voices in the UK, having already contributed written work to major media outlets, further pushing conversations around intersectionality and representation.

In 2020, she released her book, Transitional, which explores both wider social issues and her own personal history. The book gained widespread recognition during a time of heightened global conversations around race and identity. 2021 then marked a full-circle moment as Munroe reconciled with L’Oréal and was appointed to their UK Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Board – a significant shift from the events of 2017, and a meaningful step forward for representation.

Munroe’s impact has only continued to grow. She has since fronted major campaigns, been named Cosmopolitan UK’s Changemaker of the Year (2022), and in 2023 became a UN Women UK Champion, recognising her ongoing work in gender equality and racial justice.

Today, Munroe Bergdorf stands as more than just a public figure. She represents a kind of visibility that challenges, educates, and refuses to be simplified. Her work spans multiple spaces, both online and offline – from attending and supporting events, to championing countless causes centred around the queer community. Through it all, her presence remains a powerful force within ongoing conversations around identity, equality, and change.