by Mike Bandy

Last week on ANTM All-Stars, Isis, the contestant from cycle 11 who came back to the competition with a lot more confidence this time around, was eliminated. The judges felt that her presence was becoming smaller in the competition, and though she turned out an amazing photo her first week, her photo this week didn't do so well. We spoke to Isis about her time in the house, how she feels about being labeled "the transgender contestant", and what's coming up for her next!

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: Tyra said that your photos and your presence were getting less and less as the competition went on, which was relatively the same critique you got in cycle 11 before you were eliminated. What was it like to basically be eliminated for the same reason a second time around?
A. Isis: Well honestly, I think that if you watch the episode, you'll clearly see that I had presence during the photo shoot, and I had the star quality they were looking for. I just shook my head and laughed, because I was shocked, and I completely disagree, and the other contestants felt the same. There's no way that my personality wasn't shown at all - I had a variety of poses. It's funny to hear the same exact thing especially, since it was obvious that it wasn't the case. But with Brittany and Sheena going home first, I knew that the show wouldn't be like what I thought.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: At the photo shoot, Camille made the comment that she had to do really well because how could a "transgendered do better than an actual real woman?" Watching the show, were you offended by the comment? Have you spoken to her about it?
A. Isis: The thing is, I already knew she said that, she brought it up after the fact, and I think it was for damage control. She tried to blame editing for it, but they can't put words in your mouth. It is what it is, that's obviously how she really feels. I wasn't the one getting the negative critiques back during the shoot, she was. I can't change how people feel about me, I can only focus on my goals. I feel sorry for her and her fan base because they're gonna have to deal with what she said.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: During the interview challenge, you were asked about your "former life as a man", and you mentioned that you were comfortable talking about your sexuality and everything you've been through. Even with being comfortable, does it bother you that that seems to be the question most people ask about? Would you rather they focus on your modeling or fashion design more?
A. Isis: Definitely! When I answered that question, I referred to educating people about transitioning and things like that. People always ask questions, and I am an advocate for people who transition, but I don't live my life as "oh look, transgender this" or "transgender that". If I'm on a show about my talent - actually I came back because this was supposed to be about branding and it wasn't. I didn't come here for that - and I told them that there was no point of them showing my old picture [as a boy] either. Everyone knows my story; you don't have to keep showing the picture. I'm trying to get people past that and to see my talent, and that didn't help. I don't always talk about it - if I'm in a competition, there's no reason to bring it up. I came as a person with talent and I came to win, not to be the first transgender contestant.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: At the end of the photo shoot you were dancing around on the stilts, and Jay asked why you hadn't done that during the shoot. Do you feel you gave enough energy during the shoot? What challenges did you have with it?
A. Isis: You can clearly see that I gave a lot of different ranges. It was so much that I pushed myself, I got bruises on my thigh and I kept falling with my extreme poses. The photographer got excited about it. What kind of energy was he referring to? I don't think that dancing during a photo shoot is appropriate, and I think I gave plenty of energy. When I saw the picture, I laughed a little bit that they chose it. [But] I know how the game goes at this point. I have one of the largest fan bases, I talk on Twitter and express myself, and most people were happy for me, but some said I should be more grateful. I am grateful, but I've never focused on my transition. Just because you see me that way, doesn't mean that's how I am. I'm definitely gonna say how I feel, and everyone has the right to that.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: We know that Sheena from your cycle was on All-Stars with you, but if you could have brought back any other girl from your cycle, whom would you have brought back and why?
A. Isis: Hmm...that's a hard one...it's a couple girls I would have brought back! I would have brought back Brittany; she just had a baby, and I think she was a beautiful girl who was eliminated way too quick. I'd have brought back Joslyn because after auditioning 30 times, she could have used this opportunity. Analeigh, but I know she's doing her acting thing, which is what I'm trying to do too, and Marjorie, because she was amazing. I'd love for Marjorie and Allison to be friends, that would be awesome.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: What's coming up next for Isis?
A. Isis: I have my first full length film coming; I'm shooting this winter in the Philippines, it's called Hello Forever. I'm really excited about that. I've done a few acting projects, a cameo in a short firm and a play on Broadway. I love to do different characters and to entertain, and they didn't focus on that on the show. They never said anything about me acting, and that's at the top of my totem pole right now. Also, hopefully with my designs, everyone's been raving about them, and that's always been my passion. Hopefully a big designer will want me to work for them, or someone will help me take that to the next level. That's something I've done my whole life. Oh, and people can follow me on Twitter: @msisisking.

America's Next Top Model airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on the CW.

(Image courtesy of the CW)