A trans model and activist made a bold statement by appearing topless at the White House following her meeting with President Biden.
Rose Montoya, a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, chose to go topless during the Pride event on the South Lawn of the White House.
Standing beside the Truman Balcony, she aimed to convey a powerful message about female bodies and challenge societal norms.
Montoya shared a video of the moment on social media, which quickly garnered attention and support.
In less than 24 hours, the montage received over 4,700 likes on Instagram. The clip also featured her meeting with President Biden and the First Lady after their address at the Pride event.
Amidst the rising number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills passed this year, the video showcased Jill Biden assuring visitors, “You are loved, you are beautiful, you are heard, you belong.” President Biden echoed her sentiments, recognizing the LGBTQ+ community as some of the bravest and most inspiring individuals he had encountered.
During her encounter with the president, Montoya managed to capture a selfie with him, unintentionally recording a video instead of taking a photo. Later, she made the decision to bare her chest alongside transgender men in front of the Truman Balcony, a move that sparked controversy when she posted the video on social media.
In response to the backlash, the activist addressed her critics in a subsequent video on social media. Montoya emphasized the legality of going topless in Washington, D.C., and expressed her support for the movement advocating for body autonomy.
She questioned the sexualization of her chest, highlighting the disparity in how it is perceived now that she identifies as a woman. Montoya asserted, “Why is my chest now deemed inappropriate or illegal when I show it off? All you’re doing is affirming I’m a woman.”
With conviction, she explained that her intention was not to be vulgar but to join her transmasculine friends in celebrating their top surgery scars and embracing their bodies. Montoya, who began her transition in 2015, clarified that she took precautions by covering her nipples to ensure her safety and compliance with regulations.
The model concluded her message by asserting that her actions were simply an expression of her existence in her body, encouraging others to embrace and celebrate their own identities.
Montoya’s powerful statement at the White House, coupled with her defiance against societal norms and criticism, resonated with her large following of 106,000 Instagram followers. She continues to inspire and advocate for body positivity and transgender visibility.
