by John Hobbs
Photography by John Skalicky
www.skalickyphoto.com

(L-R) Amaya (October), Christina Q. (March), Jennifer (January), Cassie (September),
Christina A. (June), Gizelle (August)

Isis may be America’s Next Top Model’s first transgender contestant, but she’s not the only one blazing a fierce trail down the runway. Meet Amaya, Christina Q., Jennifer, Cassie, Christina A. and Gizelle, six graduates of Children’s Hospital L.A.’s Tranny Rockstar Project, who—on Monday, Sept. 29 at Arena Nightclub—will be tearing their way down the catwalk in order to raise money for the Children’s Hospital’s transgender clinic under the Huckleberry Fund. The fundraiser—a release party for the 2009 “Angels of Change” calendar, which features 11 transwomen and one transman who graduated from Children’s Hospital’s transgender programs—will consist of a VIP reception, live musical performances and a three-act runway show where the calendar models will dress in their own style, as angels and as the professional they hope to become one day.

Event proceeds will be funneled back into Children’s Hospital L.A.’s transgender youth program, which provides such services as individual case management, mental health care, medical and hormonal treatment as well as HIV prevention and care.

“Many of our clients are in group homes or in the foster care system. Very few of them receive support from their families. ... Once they’re accepted into the program, though, it’s sort of like a double transformation. Not only do they transition, but they also transform themselves into being more involved and being more aware of their particular issues,” explains Bamby Salcedo, transgender youth project coordinator at Children’s Hospital L.A.

Through various training programs and panel discussions, the transgender youth not only grow to accept themselves, but also are encouraged to go and spread the word, becoming advocates for transgender issues. “Our graduates have participated in different types of panels including [one] with Senator Sheila Kuehl on a hearing about safety in schools. They have also participated in other panels for medical service providers on how to be more sensitive to transgender youth,” says Salcedo.

And while the goal of the Sept. 29 runway show will be to raise funds through both ticket and calendar sales, it’s also about much more. “One of the main purposes of this event is to show society that transgender youth can also make a difference. We [hope] to demonstrate that transgender youth can be productive members of society,” says Salcedo.

The “Angels of Change” event takes place Sept. 29 at Arena Nightclub. VIP tickets are $35 presale, $50 at the door. General admission is $8 presale and $10 at the door. You can pick up one of the 2009 “Angels of Change” calendars at the event for an additional $8. For tickets and more information, call Bamby Salcedo at (323) 361-5983 or drop by the fourth floor of the Children’s Hospital L.A., 5000 Sunset Blvd.