A transgender model has revealed how his career has flourished since his transition from female to male, despite his fears that he would have to stop working as a result.
Casil McArthur, 18, from Estes Park, Colorado, is signed to Soul Artist Management, a New York agency that also has male supermodel Tyson Beckford on its books.
Since beginning his transition two years ago, Casil has booked a presentation with Calvin Klein, walked for Marc Jacobs, appeared in ad campaigns for Gap and Kenneth Cole, and has booked fashion editorials with W and Nylon magazines.
Transformation: Model Casil McArthur, 18, from Estes Park, Colorado began his transition from female to male two years ago
Before and after: Casil (pictured left before his transition) came out as transgender to his friends and family two years ago, when he was 16 years old
Fighter: Casil underwent ‘top surgery’ to remove excess breast tissue in December 2016
However, his road to success was not an easy one. Casil struggled with gender dysphoria for years while working as a female model before making the decision to come out to his family and friends two years ago, and to begin the transitioning process by taking testosterone shots.
In December 2016 he underwent ‘top surgery’ to remove breast tissue, and one year on, took to Instagram to share with fans what he has learned.
‘When I was 16, my transition felt completely out of reach. I never thought I’d be a male model. I assumed transitioning was going to be the end of modeling for me. But I really proved my past self wrong,’ he wrote.
‘I wish I could go back and tell myself at 13, everything was going to be okay. That would have saved me a hell of depression and anxiety. Still, I don’t mind all of the heart ache nor the lessons and challenges I have had in my life. They have made me who I am. A very strong self assured man.’
Owning it: The model (pictured in June) has since booked jobs with Calvin Klein, Gap, Marc Jacobs and Kenneth Cole as a male model
Happy ending: Casil initially assumed transitioning was going to be the end of his modeling career, but is delighted to see that his fears haven’t come true
Natural beauty: The 18-year-old hopes to one day be a supermodel and is confident he has what it takes to get there
Role model: Casil says he now wants to help other teens struggling with gender identity
Speaking to W Magazine last year, Casil revealed what some of those struggles have been, sharing how he had to re-learn how to model after he started his transition.
‘It’s not difficult, but guys pose differently, and they have to do different things,’ he said.
Now, Casil has great ambitions for the future.
‘My goal is to one day become a supermodel,’ he added. ‘And I don’t see how that can’t possibly happen. I think I have all of the tools to help ensure I have a long career.’
Thanking those who have supported him and also those who have not, Casil added that he is now committed to being a role model for other teens struggling with gender identity.
‘I want to help anyone who needs support, anyone who needs advice,’ he wrote in his Instagram post. ‘Please let me talk to you don’t take on these struggles alone.’