Nyle DiMarco is a role model for the Deaf and LGBTQ communities

Nyle DiMarco became the first deaf contestant to participate in “America’s Next Top Model” when he was scouted by its producers in 2015. By the end of the year, he had skyrocketed to stardom as the show’s first deaf winner.

The 33-year-old model and activist uses his celebrity status as an opportunity to educate his followers about Deaf culture. DiMarco, who grew up in a multigenerational deaf family, has continually shared in interviews his pride in being a part of the Deaf community.

“Being Deaf did not give me any hesitation to be a part of the show,” he told People magazine during his “America’s Next Top Model” season. “In fact, I was thrilled. I saw it as an opportunity to not only become a supermodel, but to change the world’s perspective on Deafness.”

After signing with Wilhelmina Models post-competition, DiMarco made his next big break on “Dancing With the Stars” — becoming the first deaf participant to win on any country’s version of the international franchise.