Amanda Lepore

Amanda Lepore was born on November 21, 1967, in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. From an early age, she identified as a girl but was assigned male at birth. Her early life involved overcoming personal challenges, with her mother experiencing schizophrenia and her parents withdrawing her from public school. At age 15, Amanda initiated a path toward gender affirmation by acquiring female hormones, and by 19, she underwent gender-affirming surgery in Yonkers, New York, following a legal marriage at 17 that enabled the procedure.

In the early 1990s, Lepore moved to New York City and became a notable figure in the Club Kids scene. She sustained herself through various roles, including working at a nail salon, as a dominatrix, and as a cosmetics salesgirl for Patricia Field. Her career significantly advanced after meeting photographer David LaChapelle, who became her frequent collaborator and muse. This partnership helped establish her as a prominent model and icon in contemporary art and fashion, appearing in high-profile works, campaigns, and on magazine covers such as “Rolling Stone.”

Beyond modeling, Lepore has pursued a music career, releasing her debut album, “I…Amanda Lepore,” in 2011 on Peace Bisquit, along with several EPs and singles. She has made cameos in numerous music videos for artists including Elton John and Grace Jones. Her career also includes television appearances, a memoir titled “Doll Parts” (2017), and entrepreneurial ventures such as her own cosmetics line in partnership with CAMP Cosmetics and a signature perfume line.