Transgender women break barriers in entertainment industry

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A Nepali woman will become the first transgender model to walk at an Indian Fashion Week.

Anjali Lama, a model and LGBT rights activist, will be part of the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai next month. Though she was rejected last year, she auditioned again -- this time making history.

"I am thrilled to be selected and it's a great platform," she told CGTN Digital. "I think it will inspire and motivate every person around the world."

In recent years, transgender women have gained more visibility and prominence in the entertainment industry. Movies and TV series centered on the lives on trans women have won accolades and acceptance from audience.

However, there have also been debates about actors being cast in roles that should have been played by trans actors.

Jeffrey Tambor, who plays a transgender woman in TV series Transparent, won a second Emmy for his role in September and dedicated the award to the transgender community, calling on the industry to give them more opportunities.

“Please give transgender talent a chance," he said in his acceptance speech. "Give them auditions. Give them a story. Do that.”