Whoopi Goldberg is debuting a trans modeling reality show

Back in 2008, America’s Next Top Model featured its first and — as far as we know — only transgender model to compete in the popular modeling show headed by Tyra Banks. For many queers it was the first time seeing, and hearing the story of a trans person. We all know it wasn’t the last, though.

Since 2008 trans people have been catapulted into American’s minds. With A-List celebrities transitioning in the public eye to controversial laws that threaten to rip the rights away from trans people that sparked a national controversy, transgender is now a household word.

But, even though people know the word and what it means, a large part of changing society’s opinion is to educate them and share the stories of these trans people as a way to ‘normalize’ them to the mainstream. We’ve already started this process with shows like I Am Cait and Transparent, but the work is not done.

Cue, Whoopi Goldberg’s Strut, a new reality show about trans models trying to make it in the high fashion world.

Strut follows five models from Slay Model Management, “the world’s first transgender modeling agency,” as they try to break through the stigma and make a name for themselves in the industry.

The new trailer suggests that Strut will have all the drama of your favorite reality shows, while opening eyes to the struggles that transgender people have to face on a daily basis, no matter how beautiful they may be. The cast includes one trans man, the sizzling Laith De La Cruz, alongside four trans women — including Isis from ANTM.

Check out the trailer and catch the new show when it premieres Tuesday, September 20 on Oxygen.