The Story of a Trans Model Who Fearlessly Became Herself

Jari Jones is a successful trans model who recently became a cover face for Calvin Klein’s campaign at the age of 29. As a plus-sized, Black, trans woman, she is powerfully showing the world what she’s capable of. Not only is she a model, but she’s also a successful producer and actress, as well as a strong LGBTQ rights activist.
Bright Side is sharing her inspirational story with you, proving that anything is possible if you’re determined enough.
She has struggled to be accepted for who she is.
As a child, she describes herself as always being feminine, playing dress-up with wigs, and using long T-shirts as dresses. Only as a young adult in college did she come out as trans, and now she is navigating what it means to be a woman today.
However, she has had to battle against haters over the years. She shares with us, on her Instagram account, the discrimination she’s experienced as a Black trans woman, revealing the comments she receives every day.
She is a rising actress and producer.
In 2019, she was the first Black trans woman to enter the Cannes Film Festival as a producer for her movie, Port Authority. She also starred in the movie and served as a script consultant and acting coach, proving she’s truly unstoppable. She’s a real trailblazer, setting the way for future Black trans creatives.
She’s changing the fashion and beauty world.
The modeling industry has been known to lack diversity, however, this is slowly changing. Jari was selected by Calvin Klein to be part of their diverse team of models for their 2020 pride campaign. This is something she never believed to be possible for herself as a plus-sized, Black, trans woman.
She was also part of Doves’ Arms Up campaign, celebrating inclusivity. The diversity of the campaign gives hope for future representation as Jari and the other women who joined the team show us that beauty cannot be standardized.
She is an activist for LGBTQ and Black rights.
Are you a fan of Jari’s work? What are your thoughts and experiences about being a woman today?
Comments
That "fem-boy" is flat up nasty! What's this world coming to.
Related Reads
8 Things Parents Should Teach Their Kids to Protect Them From Abduction

How 12 Popular Child Stars Look Today and Who They Ended Up Marrying

10 Acts of Kindness Teaching Us Compassion and Wisdom Still Lead to Happiness and Self-Care in 2026

10 Moments That Prove Kindness Can Win Even When Anger Feels Easier

10 Moments That Teach Us Quiet Kindness and Compassion Still Lead to Happiness in 2026

12 Sibling Moments That Prove Compassion and Kindness Stay at the Heart of Every Lasting Bond

12 Family Moments Where Forgiveness and Compassion Mattered More Than Being Right

12 Moments of Kindness That Show How Compassion, Wisdom and Mercy Can Transform Lives

14 Family Moments That Prove Kind Hearts and Quiet Compassion Speak When Words Fail

11 Moments of Wisdom That Teach Us Why Quiet Compassion and Humanity Always Win

18 Chaotic Birthday Memories So Funny They Can Instantly Brighten Your Whole Week

11 Stories That Remind Us the Human Heart Can Carry More Than Its Own Burdens




