Andy South Transgender: 'Project Runway' Contestant Now Living As A Woman

'Project Runway' Contestant Is Now Living As A Woman

A popular "Project Runway" contestant who appeared on the series as a gay man is now living as a woman.

E! Online reports that Andy South, who starred in the eighth season of the hit Lifetime series and made it into the top 3, now identifies as female on Facebook, and has changed his name to Nong Ariyaphon Southiphong. In addition, the designer now appears in a series of profile photos with long hair and in full make-up.

"Thank you to my fans and friends who have supported me all the way. To my family for seeing me for me and for all the love I am surrounded with," the 25-year-old Hawaii native wrote on June 3, according to RadarOnline. "I am blessed to be so accepted and welcomed just the way I am. May that love flow through me and onto many others. Live in love for the world needs it."

She also noted: "Much has changed in a year. And much has not. Love my cousin and sister. A year of intense growth shared."

Nong earlier made her debut in an interview with Hawaii's eXpression magazine. At the time, the author described "Nong Phon" as South's alter ego and muse. "Nong Phon is just a part of who I am, a side of me some people are familiar with and others are not," the designer is quoted as saying. "She is not all there is to me, but a part of who I am as a whole...people who are close to me know who I am and I have continued to receive support, especially from my mom who is still by my side every step of the way.”

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