while alex consani undeniably deserved the award, the media and anok yai discourse that followed has been disheartening and extremely unfair. alex's win is a significant milestone for the fashion industry; as the first openly transgender woman to receive this honor, she has broken barriers and inspired countless individuals. her hard work, talent, and resilience have been evident throughout the year. booked and busy. however, anok yai's response to the loss has sparked debate. while it's understandable to feel disappointment, some of her fans' reactions have been overtly transphobic. the intersection of race, gender identity, and privilege adds complexity to this situation. while celebrating alex's achievement, it's important to acknowledge the systemic biases that continue to affect the modeling industry. both women are talented and deserving of recognition, but this year was alex’s year. this situation can lead to a more nuanced understanding of issues surrounding identity, representation, and online behavior.