Donatella Versace says it ‘shakes me to my core’ that trans women face violence (EXCLUSIVE)
The fashion legend has discussed the challenges facing the trans community to mark her receiving The Icon Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar
By Callum Wells
Donatella Versace has spoken out in support of trans people, saying it “shakes me to my core” that trans women face violence and persecution simply for being themselves.
The fashion icon discussed the challenges facing the trans community in an interview with Attitude to mark her receiving The Icon Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar.
Speaking to Attitude, Versace was asked what message she would give to the trans community at a time when trans rights are facing increasing political and social pressure.
“I am here to support that fight in any way that I can” – Donatella Versace on the trans community
“To try to continue to find strength,” she said. “I have been blown away with the positivity and fortitude shown by the trans community, despite such terrible adversity.”
“It shakes me to my core that trans women suffer such violence and persecution for just being themselves,” she continued. “The strength and determination it takes to get up every day and live your life truly for yourself and not for others is extraordinary to me.”
Versace added that she had “heard terrible stories” and met “amazing trans women” who, despite experiencing extremely difficult circumstances, continue to fight for themselves and their community.
“I am here to support that fight in any way that I can,” she said.
Versace has long been an outspoken LGBTQ+ ally
The designer also reflected on her own relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, telling Attitude that she had been particularly moved by meeting members of the trans community at a private round table in New York.
“I was truly inspired to spend an afternoon with the most extraordinary members of the trans community,” she said, describing the “difficulties, the violence and the oppression” trans women face in their day-to-day lives.
Versace has long been an outspoken LGBTQ+ ally and has supported organisations working with the community. In the same interview, she said the “joy and positivity” of LGBTQ+ people gives her hope despite what she described as a growing backlash against equality.
“The queer community continues to bring light, colour, optimism and laughter to our world” – Versace
“It feels that we are going backwards in our acceptance of others,” she said. “At a time in our world when we should be more inclusive, more accepting and finding strength from each other, there are loud voices becoming more prejudiced, more isolated and more bigoted than ever before.”
“And yet despite that, the queer community continues to bring light, colour, optimism and laughter to our world,” she added. “As an ally, I hope that we can all put our arms around those that need it most and protect people from fear and ignorance.”
The full interview appears in the Attitude Awards 2026 issue, available on digital platforms and in print. Print copy available for pre-order here.