We’re entering a new age of inclusivity in modeling, and a big part of that is having models with disabilities find their voice in the industry. While modeling used to be about fitting a strict standard and certain look, today, it’s about embracing all kinds of diverse beauty. After all, a model is a canvas for the art that is clothing, but so often, we’re only shown one very specific type of beauty that isn’t relatable.
That’s where models like Jessica Jacinto come in. Jessica is a stunner with Down syndrome who is helping revamp the standards of the beauty industry, along with body-positive champions like Winnie Harlow. All these women are helping to bust beauty stereotypes and expectations, helping us learn to celebrate our differences and how beautiful they are.
Jessica Jacinto lives in Valencia, Venezuela and she’s 22 years old. Jacinto was born with Down syndrome, which means she has an extra chromosome. This changes the development of the brain and the body, which can in turn cause challenges. Beyond the physical and mental differences, society doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to how people with Down syndrome are treated.
Jacinto has a gorgeous grey streak in her hair and gorgeous eyes, but those are just a few of her swoon-worthy traits. Her dream was always to become an international model, and she was determined to reach that goal no matter the discrimination she faced.
Despite how people with Down syndrome are excluded from society and are mistreated, having more models with Down syndrome in the mainstream can help fight these stereotypes, which arise from a lack of understanding, education, and exposure to the disability.
It all started when Jessica Jacinto was 14 years old and took part in a beauty pageant. While she did sports in school as well, this was what truly made her happy. Modeling became a source of empowerment and confidence for Jessica. Everyone who has worked with the model confirms that her charismatic personality and motivated attitude make her a joy to work with.
After 10 years, she still hasn’t given up and has participated in many events as a model. Of course, the path she took was filled with many more challenges than neurotypical models, and even though she’s faced rejection, it doesn’t hold Jessica back.
While modeling should be an enjoyable experience, it often turns into a nightmare due to the industry’s rigid beauty standards and strict requirements. It’s a world that should be about celebrating different kinds of beauty but is instead filled with politics and silly requirements, like height, age, and weight. Companies always claim that they’re looking for something that sets a model apart from a crowd, but only do so when it fits within these rigid demands.
Models all over the world are fighting for equal representation and aiming to end this discrimination. Not just for their careers, but for the sake of future generations so that they won’t have to deal with fat-phobia, ableism, and racism. Representation might exist, but mostly in the form of tokenism, which is when a small number of models are recruited from under-represented groups under the guise of inclusion.
Instead, models like Jessica Jacinta are fighting for authentic, and full inclusion. Due to the important work of these models and their activism, agencies and brands are finally starting to step up to the plate because the world expects it of them. While the main goal is to generate sales, in the process, the landscape of the modeling industry will actually change.
Sure, these motivations might not be pure and completely ethical, but the result is what matters. These inclusive movements can help pave the way for models of the future so that they don’t have to work harder than everybody else to reach the same career goals.
Jessica, who is also a member of the Venezuelan Red Cross, wants to remind people that “we are different, but not inferior.” This slogan was actually the name of a project she participated in with Red Cross. While she’s faced strife and disappointment, she’s also received tons of praise and encouragement to help reinforce her strong sense of self-worth.
Jessica’s relationship with her mother Yanira, who has been her daughter’s biggest cheerleader over the past decade. Yanira’s support has played a big role in Jessica’s journey, and she encourages other parents to pay attention to their child’s dreams and let themselves explore their identities without comparing them to anyone else. Models like Jessica are helping to normalize the unconditional acceptance of people, no matter how different from you they might be, and we can’t wait to see what’s next in her journey.
Jessica’s relationship with her mother Yanira, who has been her daughter’s biggest cheerleader over the past decade. Yanira’s support has played a big role in Jessica’s journey, and she encourages other parents to pay attention to their child’s dreams and let themselves explore their identities without comparing them to anyone else. Models like Jessica are helping to normalize the unconditional acceptance of people, no matter how different from you they might be, and we can’t wait to see what’s next in her journey.
