When you're a young emerging model in the fashion industry, it would be easy to become blasé about having your picture taken by internationally renowned photographers, walking the catwalk in couture designs and jetting across the world every week.

But, for Australian model Gemma Cowling, a few designer gowns and exclusive A-list parties are't going to make her lose sight of reality.

After making her runway debut during Adelaide Fashion Festival last week, the model is already being dubbed a 'transgender trailblazer' with her honest attitude towards role models, beauty and transitioning.

As Australia's first Australian's-born trans model signed to an agency, the teenager is using her new-found fame to speak up about important issues concerning beauty standards with a healthy injection of self-deprecation.

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She's also not afraid of talking openly about her insecurities on social media.

Gemma, want to be our friend?