History of Isis King in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 22, 2026

Isis King is a prominent American model, actress, and fashion designer, best known as the first openly transgender woman to compete on America's Next Top Model (ANTM). Her participation in both cycle 11 and cycle 17 of ANTM significantly increased the visibility of transgender individuals in mainstream media. Beyond modeling, King has also pursued acting, notably starring as Sol Perez in the Amazon Prime Video series With Love (2021-2023). She uses her platform to advocate for transgender rights and acceptance, becoming an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

2007: Appearance in MSNBC Special and Start of Hormone Replacement Therapy

In 2007, Isis King appeared in an MSNBC special titled Born in the Wrong Body, documenting the lives of transgender teens. In the summer of 2007, she also began hormone replacement therapy as part of her gender transitioning process.

September 2008: Featured in Us Weekly

In September 2008, Isis King was featured in Us Weekly.

December 2008: Featured in Seventeen Magazine

In December 2008, Isis King was featured in Seventeen magazine.

January 2009: Featured in Seventeen Magazine

In January 2009, Isis King was featured in Seventeen magazine.

July 25, 2009: Appearance on Larry King Live

On July 25, 2009, Isis King appeared on Larry King Live.

2009: Gender Reassignment Surgery

In 2009, Isis King underwent gender reassignment surgery, as she revealed on America's Next Top Model: All-Stars.

2010: Cover of Swerv Magazine

In Spring 2010, Isis King appeared on the cover of Swerv magazine.

September 14, 2011: Competition in America's Next Top Model: All-Stars

On September 14, 2011, Isis King competed in the 'All Star' cycle of America's Next Top Model but was later eliminated.

2012: Becomes American Apparel's First Openly Transgender Model and Controversy over "Gay O.K." T-shirts

In 2012, Isis King became American Apparel's first openly transgender model. However, the "Gay O.K." t-shirts she modeled sparked controversy, leading to an education campaign by MAGNET and calls for a boycott by Chanel Jessica Lopez.

2014: Featured on C☆NDY Magazine's Fifth Anniversary Cover

In 2014, Isis King was featured on the fifth anniversary cover of C☆NDY magazine alongside 13 other transgender women, including Janet Mock and Laverne Cox.

July 2015: Guest Star Role on The Bold and the Beautiful

In July 2015, Isis King guest starred on multiple episodes of the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.

Loading Video...

2016: Focus on acting and modeling, moves to Los Angeles

In 2016, Isis King began focusing on her acting and modeling skills and moved to Los Angeles.

2016: Strut Docu-Series Airs on Oxygen Network

In 2016, Isis King's docu-series Strut, executive produced by Whoopi Goldberg, aired on the Oxygen Network. The series followed five trans models and documented King's move to Los Angeles.

Loading Video...

August 2019: Deadline Interview

In August 2019, Isis King was the subject of a Deadline interview where she discussed trans visibility, acceptance, and other related matters.

2019: Starring in Netflix Series When They See Us

In 2019, Isis King starred in the Netflix series When They See Us, created by Ava DuVernay, playing the role of Marci Wise. The series tells the real story of the Central Park Five.

Loading Video...