Introduction
Roberta Close is a Brazilian model who has contributed to the transgender community. Born in the year 1964, Roberta became one of the first transgender people to gain international recognition. Her contributions to the fashion industry and activism will not be forgotten, and her story continues to inspire many. Here are five fascinating facts about Roberta Close that you may not know.
Fact 1: Roberta Close started as a model at an early age
Close’s journey to becoming a model began at an early age of 13 when she won a beauty pageant in the municipality of Santa Rosa, Rio Grande do Sul. She was first discovered by fashion photographer, Ney Marques when she was selling clothes at a market stall at the tender age of 16. Roberta possessed striking features and talent that Ney could not ignore. Her first photoshoots were done in her home town of Porto Alegre, in southern Brazil.
Fact 2: She created history in Brazil
In 1984, Roberta created history in Brazil after becoming the first transgender to pose for the cover of Brazil’s men’s Playboy magazine. This incident marked the first time that a publication featuring a transgender person was available openly in Brazilian markets. Thankfully, her success did not end there as she went ahead to become the face of prestigious fashion labels such as Armani and Dior.
Fact 3: She received threats to her life
Roberta’s success as a model skyrocketed after featuring on the cover of Playboy. However, with this success came threats to her life, forcing her to live abroad. One of the threats forced her to flee from Brazil to Europe. Despite the death threats, she continued to shine as a model and became one of the first transgender models to be signed by a major agency.
Fact 4: Roberta Close underwent gender confirmation surgery
Roberta underwent gender confirmation surgery in Casablanca, Morocco, at the age of 39. This procedure was a turning point in her life and possibly the most extensive procedure undertaken by a Brazilian model. While the surgery may have been deemed controversial, it allowed her to live comfortably in her skin.
Fact 5: She partnered with human rights activists in Brazil
Roberta did not let her life as a model keep her from being active in social activism. She has spent a considerable amount of time as an active part of the LGBTQ+ community, partnering with human rights organizations like the Brazilian National Association of Transvestites and Transexuals (ANTRA). Her prominence in the fashion industry granted her a platform, which she cleverly used for pushing social change.
Conclusion
Roberta Close is a woman who defied gender stereotypes and paved the way for transgenders in Brazil. Through her modeling career and social activism, she has become an inspiration to many. Even though she experienced threats to her life, she never let it deter her from achieving her dreams. Roberta Close is a trailblazer in the fashion industry, and her legacy will live on.
FAQs
Q1. What was Roberta Close’s most significant contribution to the transgender community?
A1. Roberta Close’s most significant contribution to the transgender community was her advocacy for transgender rights and promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Q2. What was Roberta Close’s motivation for becoming a model?
A2. Roberta Close’s motivation for becoming a model was her interest in fashion and wanting to make a difference in the industry.
Q3. When did Roberta Close undergo gender confirmation surgery, and where was it performed?
A3. Roberta Close underwent gender confirmation surgery when she was 39 years old in Casablanca, Morocco.
Q4. What were the challenges that Robert Close had to face as a transgender model?
A4. Roberta Close faced numerous challenges, including threats to her life, lack of acceptance, and exclusion from opportunities.
Q5. How did Roberta Close use her platform as a model to push social change?
A5. Roberta Close used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ acceptance, and she partnered with human rights organizations to advocate for the rights of transgender people in Brazil.