German reality television series, Germany’s Next Topmodel just crowned its winner for the 16th season. The competition is hosted by Heidi Klum. She also serves as the lead judge and executive producer of the show based on the concept introduced by Tyra Banks with America’s Next Topmodel.
Alex Mariah Peter was announced as the Germany’s Next Topmodel 2021, becoming the first ever Trans woman to win the crown. Beating out models Dascha Carriero, Romina Palm and Soulin Omar – and the more than 17,000 applicants who sought a place on the coveted show, Peter also took home a thumping €100,000 cash prize.
The organization took to their social media as they announced, “Dreams Do Come True: Alex is GERMANY’S NEXT TOPMODEL - and also the winner of the hearts! You got our heart, girl.” Peter was booked for Galvan London and Lena Gercke's fashion label LeGer, among others. She also appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar magazine.
Alex Mariah Peter (born November 6, 1997 in Cologne as Alexander Peter is a German model. Hailing from Cologne, 23-year-old Alex studies journalism and corporate communication in Cologne. At 21, she came out as transgender and then underwent some gender reassignment operations.
Alex spoke about her past as a man at the beginning of the season. She wants to be visible, she says in the finale, so winning the season means a lot to her. “I always thought at the beginning that my story has always been told when you hear my voice,” Alex-Mariah Peter told Klum about why she deserves to be top model. “I am a trans woman, yes. But first and foremost I am a woman. Being different is much more normal than we admit to ourselves,” she added.
Alex dedicated her success in the competition to her ability to remain resilient and being true to herself. She also said, “I think I made it this far for the same reason why the other girls are now at this point with me, due to diligence, perseverance, ambition and perhaps a pinch of luck.”
Alex Mariah is brave, confident and overcomes her own fears and inner limits. Alex’s win is a huge leap for Trans representation in the German show, a spin-off of Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model which began airing in 2006. The franchise at large crowned its Trans first winner in 2015, when Loiza Lamers was named Holland’s Next Top Model.
Alex, is considered a great role model for many teenagers being the elaborate, charming and talented self she is. Alex Mariah is brave, confident and overcomes her own fears and inner limits. Speaking about future plans following the victory, the winner jokingly said, "First of all, I’m going to get a schnitzel to eat."