Carly Tommasini, a model and LGBTQIA+ rights activist, is set to showcase her journey on the popular Italian reality show, Isola dei Famosi (Island of the Famous) 2025. Known for her dedication to raising awareness about gender identity and the transgender experience, Tommasini has become a prominent figure in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Born on September 11, 1998, in Motta di Livenza, a small town in the province of Treviso, Tommasini is now 26 years old. She graduated in 2019 from a technical institute in Milan, where she specialized in Business and International Relations. Her career began as a makeup artist, and she quickly gained recognition in the fashion world, transitioning from makeup artistry to modeling.
Tommasini’s transition journey started at the age of 21, a pivotal moment in her life that she has openly shared with her followers on social media. She has been an advocate for transgender rights, participating in various projects aimed at promoting public awareness and acceptance. "I didn’t choose. I accepted, which is a different thing," she explained in an interview, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance in the transition process.
In September 2023, Carly underwent vaginoplasty, a significant step in her medical transition. She chose to have the surgery abroad due to long waiting times in Italy, stating, "I couldn’t have led the life I am leading now" if she had waited for the procedure in her home country. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, "When I woke up in my hospital room with my mom, who slept all those five days with me, I spoke to the me of six years ago who interrupted the desire for transition out of fear of this operation saying to myself: 'You see, you made it?'"
Tommasini’s relationship with her family has also shaped her journey. She has described her father as “the bully of my life,” reflecting on the struggles she faced in gaining acceptance from him. In contrast, her mother has been a source of unwavering support. "Fortunately, I had a mother who filled that void and did a lot both as a maternal and paternal figure," Tommasini recounted. Her mother was the first to ask if she wanted to be called by a feminine name, saying, "I haven’t lost a son, I’ve gained a daughter. You’ve always been Carly to me."
Despite the challenges, Tommasini has found strength in her identity. She acknowledges the ongoing struggle with dysphoria, a condition where there is a disconnect between one’s gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. "Dysphoria doesn’t go away, dysphoria doesn’t disappear. The sense of being different is a fear that is there every day," she admitted. However, she also expressed a newfound sense of freedom: "Now I am free to express myself. Finally, I am free to be myself."
As Tommasini prepares for her appearance on Isola dei Famosi, she is aware that her presence will likely spark conversations about her identity and experiences. Bookmakers have already taken notice, speculating on potential conflicts between her and fellow contestant Mario Adinolfi, who is known for his controversial views. Tommasini’s participation is expected to highlight not only her personal journey but also broader discussions surrounding transgender issues in society.
Her story resonates with many, particularly those within the LGBTQIA+ community, where representation and visibility are crucial. Tommasini has become a reference point for many, using her platform to advocate for acceptance and understanding. "It is a very difficult and arduous journey, but in these months I have finally been able to live relationships with the opposite sex in a freer and more confident way, feeling 100% woman," she shared.
As she embarks on this new chapter of her life, Tommasini remains committed to her advocacy work, striving to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges. Her participation in Isola dei Famosi not only serves as a personal milestone but also as an opportunity to educate and inspire others about the realities of gender identity and the importance of acceptance.
In a world where discussions about gender and identity are becoming increasingly relevant, Carly Tommasini’s journey stands out as a testament to resilience and the power of self-acceptance. Her story is a reminder that everyone deserves to live authentically and that visibility can pave the way for understanding and change.
