“You can call me Miss Miami Swim — at least until further notice.”
That confident proclamation came from Australian transgender model Riley Minford, who set social media abuzz after her dazzling runway debut at Miami Swim Week on Sunday, June 1.
The 25-year-old Sydney native didn’t just walk the runway — she owned it. Strutting with undeniable poise, Riley wowed the crowd in two show-stopping looks during the Oh Polly show: a fiery red cutout one-piece and a daringly minimalist white bikini.
But Riley’s journey is about far more than stunning swimwear and flawless catwalk confidence. Her rise is a powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and overcoming doubt — even from those closest to her.
From Rejection to Radiance
Growing up in Australia, Riley faced deep resistance at home over her true self. In an interview with Beauticate, she shared how her mother recognized her difference early on — but instead of support, she was met with fear.
“She’d tell me, ‘Riley, I always knew if you were gay or trans, you’d be sad and alone,’” Riley recalled. “Sometimes she said she worried I’d get AIDS and end up dying with only a cat for company.”
Moments that should have felt simple — like sports day, swimming carnivals, or classroom activities where teachers would split the students with a casual ‘boys to the left, girls to the right’ — only deepened Riley’s sense of isolation. Caught between worlds, she struggled with emotional limbo as she navigated a rigid gender divide.
She never felt at ease standing with the boys, yet was never welcomed among the girls — even though, deep inside, she knew that’s exactly where she truly belonged.
Despite the emotional scars, Riley never gave up. Though her father was often emotionally distant, he provided financial support. It was during her years at a private Christian co-ed high school that Riley began to uncover her true identity.
“I struggled so much with who I was until high school, then I decided to really switch things up,” she shared.
Yet, she kept her truth under wraps for years. It wasn’t until after graduation that Riley courageously began her transition.
“I had hidden from my trans self for so long that, before starting this journey, I wasn’t even sure if I would be open about being trans,” she revealed.
Fearless on the Catwalk
That fear quickly faded. Stepping onto the global stage at Miami Swim Week, Riley radiated confidence.
“I was absolutely terrified, but once I hit that runway, I just owned it,” she told The Daily Telegraph’s Sydney Confidential.
With nearly 75,000 Instagram followers rallying behind her, the half-Filipino influencer reflected on her journey:
“Being flown across the world to walk felt incredibly special, and I hope I truly did my duty.”
And the internet couldn’t get enough. Fans poured into her comments with overwhelming love and support:
“You’re an icon!!!! So proud of you!!!”
“Queen, you deserve it all and more!”
“This is such a moment.”
“We can’t handle how perfect this is.”
“I think she’s going to be the next top supermodel.”
From Pain to Progress
What makes Riley’s story even more powerful? The transformation at home. The very mother who once tried to silence her identity is now her biggest fan.
“It’s a whole different vibe now,” Riley shared. “She’s my biggest cheerleader.”
While many transgender people face immense physical and emotional challenges during their transitions, Riley reveals that wasn’t her biggest hurdle.
“I always thought the physical process would be the hardest part — but for me, it wasn’t,” she explained.
“I transitioned so seamlessly that I could easily fly under the radar if I wanted to. That gave me the confidence to be out, open, and proud. I want to take the high road for those who don’t have it so easy.”
Breaking the Mold in Fashion
Riley’s stunning Miami Swim Week debut marks more than a personal triumph — it signals a powerful shift within the fashion industry.
Trans supermodels like Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio made history at last year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, shattering long-standing cisgender beauty norms.
“I’m trans, and it’s vital to have people like me on the runway, celebrated as beautiful,” Alex told WWD.
“Especially in a setting like this that’s always been very cis-oriented, it’s important to be bringing in a lot of different types of people,” Riley emphasized, highlighting the growing need for diversity and inclusion in the fashion world.
“Inclusivity is crucial to the world we’re building, and I’m honored to walk with pride, love, and the hope of inspiring the next generation,” Riley shared with heartfelt conviction.
What’s Next for Miss Miami?
With her newfound confidence, a growing fanbase, and viral acclaim from Miami Swim Week, Riley’s star is shining brighter than ever.
Once haunted by fears of being “sad and alone,” she now commands a global audience, carries a powerful story of triumph, and holds a crown-worthy title:
“You can call me Miss Miami Swim — at least until further notice.”
