Lea T., Transsexual Model, Sits Down With Oprah (VIDEO)

Transsexual model Lea T. sat down with Oprah for her show on Thursday, and fashion's rising star talked about her childhood, her newfound fame and the struggles she's dealt with in between. Lea said she believes in gender identity disorder and dispelled any rumors that her father, Brazilian soccer player Toninho Cerezo had disowned her -- in fact, after seeing her walk in Alexandre Herchcovitch's Fall/Winter 2011/2012 show at Sao Paulo Fashion Week last month, her dad said, "Now I can die happy."

Oprah also asked Lea how she hides her penis during photo shoots when she's scantily clad. Lea laughed and said that it's really uncomfortable. Duh, Oprah.

Check out part of their interview below, including some of Lea's childhood photos. Lea reveals to Oprah, "I was hoping I was gay. I was like, ok, I'm gay, because for my family it's less painful....I wish I could accept my body as a man....I would be a straight guy, having a girlfriend and a family, daughters, married, a normal life, but it's something in your brain."

WATCH:

Comments

[nermz345]

03:45 PM on 03/22/2011

I could never begin to understand what Lea's going through. But it is nice to read positive posts. I was expecting harsh critizism

[RaspberrySwirly]

01:53 PM on 03/22/2011

Very interesting story, but the headline ought to read transgender rather than transsexual.

[luv4o]

04:23 PM on 02/21/2011

Seems like a really sweet elegant beautiful woman. Best wishes to in you hope your surgery goes well.

[MammaLu]

02:02 PM on 02/20/2011

Sending best wishes to you, brave soul! You deserve to be happy! I admire your courage.

[pgurlatl]

10:15 AM on 02/20/2011

I thought she was sweet and lovely and I wish her the best!

[SamiSam]

02:42 PM on 02/19/2011

I was surprised when she talked about how her cheekbones got more pronounced. I never thought about that before. I knew about the breast and hips. She's very pretty and I hope she finds the happiness she seeks after her full transition.

[levresamant]

07:01 AM on 02/20/2011

Transitioning does not change bone structure. Her cheekbones seem more pronounced because the face thins as fat is redistributed to female locations.

[Cherry Bomb]

01:05 PM on 02/19/2011

Absolutely gorgeous and inspiring!!!!

[skyslimit]

12:58 PM on 02/19/2011

Oprah makes it seem like being gay means you want to live like a woman. Not true.

[kittenboots]

05:42 PM on 03/04/2011

How did she make it seem like that?

[nermz345]

03:43 PM on 03/22/2011

were did u get that? he even said he wish he were gay because it would be easier for his family. and he went on to say that he wish he could accept his body as a man. my understanding of those two statements, were that whatever he is going through is more than just being gay.

[hackerblaster]

07:38 PM on 02/18/2011

I am very encouraged by the humans posting in this thread. Humans are curious and they seek knowledge. They don't simply close their mind and think everything has to be this way or no way. Of course there are some who are simply bigoted mean and nasty but they are outnumbered here. I feel all warm and fuzzy right now.

[devinkay]

08:08 PM on 02/18/2011

I totally agree about the warm fuzzies. Over the years I've watched the comments to HP's articles about transgender people evolve from being heavily peppered with abusive humor to what is now almost exclusively honest empathy, a desire to understand, and a willingness to accept regardless. The times they are a'changin'! I suddenly have this crazy urge to hug somebody! Anybody! Everybody!

[hackerblaster]

04:19 AM on 02/19/2011

Come here sweety, I will hug you! ****(((((HUG))))l*****

[levresamant]

09:37 AM on 02/19/2011

If only it were contagious.

[Cynthia Duncan]

04:05 PM on 02/18/2011

SHE IS VERY BRAVE.

[Max Shaw]

03:50 PM on 02/18/2011

Oprah knows how to ask the tough questions.

[MarkInEugene]

03:34 PM on 02/18/2011

A courageous human being. Stories like this remind me that life is not so simple despite the attitude among the general popultion that it is.

[devinkay]

03:27 PM on 02/18/2011

Lea, bless you for presenting such well-balanced character to a watching world. The surgery honestly isn't as painful as you fear. You'll be waking up to happy drugs that make everything just fine. By the time they stop the drip your biggest concern will be how soon you can get out of bed. My surgeon took me on a Bangkok shopping spree and dinner boat cruise six days after my procedure and I had a blast, although I will admit to walking kinda funny and sitting a bit gingerly. Believe me, the sudden feeling of being right will far, far, far outstrip any ouchies you might experience. Best wishes!

[levresamant]

09:43 AM on 02/19/2011

Agreed. A nose job is far worse. A root canal is worse. Congratulations.

[Angie Daniels]

01:59 PM on 02/18/2011

She's so gorgeous. What amazing skin.

[effeminate]

01:40 PM on 02/18/2011

Great woman !

[jusathot]

01:17 PM on 02/19/2011

She is ridiculously pretty and feminine--I feel sorry for the young women out there looking for a guy--more competition...