US Celebrity Transgender Model Detained At Dubai Airport

A transgender model, Gigi Gorgeous, was detained at Dubai airport and not let into the UAE because she is transgender, according to TMZ. Gigi, best friends with Kylie Jenner, was born Gregory Lazzarato, since she transitioned, her passport now reads “Gigi Loren.” The Dubai security were following rules where imitation of “imitation of women by men” is illegal. The model was released after five hours, and subsequently left Dubai. 

Gigi posted this photo to her Instagram following being released following after five hours in detention

Gigi Gorgeous announces her transition on YouTube

This will no doubt open up the debate on transgender. 

There have being specific court rulings in the US the contrary regarding transgender incidences, in additional to reform on same sex marriage last year, and referendums on the same topic in other countries such as Ireland. Given the social media reach of Gigi Gorgeous, this will no doubt be reflected negatively on the UAE, one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East. However, as one tweeter put it, Dubai is a very safe place and has it’s own culture and rules that go along with it.