In the 70s Tracey Norman was one of the first (if not THE first) black transgender model to have a thriving career. Booking both high fashion and commercial jobs, Norman kept her transgender identity secret.
Left to right: Beauty shot for her portfolio, 1993; In Miami Beach; modeling for Black Elegance magazine, 1980.
Photographs: Preston Phillips (Left), Courtesy of Tracey Norman (Remaining)
In the mid-70s she hit a career high when she became the face of Clairol’s dark auburn hair color — leading to it become the company’s best-selling color. But her career came to an abrupt halt when, Norman says, she was outed by legendary Essence Magazine editor Susan Taylor and her bookings dried up. Last year, New York magazine’s The Cut detailed Norman’s story and it captured the hearts of many.
Now, Norman has been asked to return to the company that made her iconic. At age 63, Norman is Clairol’s newest cover girl.
Check out Norman’s new ad below: