Project Runway Season 8 Finalist Is A Girl Like Us!

2012 has been an interesting and groundbreaking year so far when it comes to the trans community and we're only halfway through it.   In addition to progress on the trans human rights front in several nations, we've had a celebrity trans coming out in rocker Laura Jane Grace. 

We can add another celebrity transition in the person of Hawaii native and fashion designer Nong Ariyaphon Southiphong. 

Back is Season 8 of Project Runway she looked a little different as fashion designer Andy South and made it to the finals of that season's competition.

The now 25 year old Nong acknowledged her transition in a February interview in the Hawaii's Expression magazine.   Pictures of her started appearing on her Facebook page back in March.

She recently made the gender code changes on her Facebook page in addition to leaving this June 3 message on it.

"Thank you to my fans and friends who have supported me all the way," she wrote. "Much has changed in a year. I am blessed to be accepted and welcomed just the way I am. May that love flow through me and onto many others. Live in love for the world needs it."

Welcome to the community and the #GirlsLikeUs ranks, Nong.   We're glad to have you.with us!