The Canberra disability/curve model breaking barriers in the industry
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For Kathleen O’Brien becoming Canberra’s first model for Diversity Models Australia was about one simple thing: smashing stigmas that people with disabilities can’t work in the fashion industry.
And she plans on breaking barriers one photoshoot at a time.
Joining Diversity Models Australia – Australia’s first NDIS registered provider agency for disabilities, mature age, and multicultural models – Katheleen discovered the agency after a spontaneous Google search for inclusive modelling agencies in Canberra and the surrounding region.
Deciding to apply to the agency to join a group of aspiring models who are all trying to build their portfolio while changing perceptions of how disabilities are represented and catered for in the fashion industry, she has recently been accepted as Canberra’s first disability/curve model. And she’s feeling good.
“A lot of the modelling agencies you come across today have a certain expectation on how you look and your ability to do certain things. Then I came across Diversity Models, and I had a look, and it really struck me because they’re so inclusive with people with disabilities and being plus-sized,” she explains.
“They’re breaking down that barrier of being a certain size…and no matter your disability, whether it’s physical, or intellectual, you can be what you want to be, you can express yourself.”
Diagnosed with autism, ADHD and Bipolar II, Kathleen is one of the growing number of people signing up to Diversity Models Australia.
Explaining that she’s always had an interest in modelling – which saw her try her hand at a boudoir shoot a few years ago for the fun of it – she decided to dip her toes back in the water after discovering the agency and having its message resonate with her.
Kathleen says she enjoys putting herself out there while modelling and breaking down the barrier of expectations versus reality. And while the modelling industry is slowly becoming more diverse both on the runway and in print, Kathleen says more needs to be done to let disabled and diverse models shine.
“There are a lot of plus-sized people out there that work in the modelling industry, and they don’t get enough recognition and attention,” she explains.
“I hope to encourage more Canberrans, whether they’re plus size or have a disability, to sign up to the agency so we can get an influx and so they’ll be able to get jobs and put themselves out there.”
Currently studying journalism online at the University of Southern Queensland, Kathleen’s advocacy for diversity doesn’t just stop with modelling – she also wants to help change the media landscape and show that neurodiverse people can work in any industry.
Booking modelling and public speaking jobs are her stepping stones to get there.
“The part of journalism I want to go into is TV journalism and there’s a particular reason why. I’m a curvy person and I’m trying to break down that barrier of the expectation of journalists to be skinny and have their hair a certain way,” she explains.
“I want to let people know that you don’t have to be skinny, you can be curvy if you want to on TV and have your hair the way it is…we’re there to read the news and tell a story.”
It’s a big challenge but Kathleen is determined to take it on, but she says there’s plenty that people can do to help her break these stigmas.
“They can do a bit of promotion, campaign for more inclusivity in the modelling industry. And put it out there – no matter your size or ability, everyone should be able to be treated equally.”
To follow Kathleen’s journey and work, keep an eye on her Instagram page @cbrcurvmodel.
For more information about Diversity Models Australia, visit diversitymodels.com.au
Images supplied.
