James
Parr

Melbourne

James Parr is an award-winning multidisciplinary model, speaker, event host and a passionate champion for visibility. James was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2019 which resulted in the amputation of his lower right leg and draws on his personal journey and lived experiences to champion change in the way people with disabilities are included and represented across all mainstream fashion and media spaces.

James uses his own experience to highlight the negative connotations and attachments surrounding disability and modelling as a vessel for a force to create more representation in mainstream media. His mission is to rewrite the narrative that having a disability is sad, to a new, more realistic narrative that people with a disability are seen as happy valuable members of society.

RECENT AWARDS

Australian Afterpay Fashion Week Changemaker in 2023
GQ’s Model of The Year 2023
Social Impact National Award for Disability Leadership 2023
Forbes Under 30 2024

As a writer James has been engaged as a contributor for multiple media outlets including editorial articles for Pedestrian TV, Mamamia, Esquire Magazine, Urban List and Harper’s Bazaar.

As a Queer, First Nations Triathlete, James has represented not only at Melbourne Fashion Week & Melbourne Fashion Festival, but too Australian Afterpay Fashion Week where he was also named a Changemaker in 2023 for his work in the fashion industry.

James’ passion for disability advocation is evident is all his pursuits from content creation and fast paced modelling career, which has seen him feature in the likes of Vogue and GQ Australia. Modelling in campaigns for the likes of Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, The Iconic, Myer and featuring as hero talent for Champion, Emporium Melbourne and a lululemon ambassador, James likes like challenge the concepts of masculine and femininity, thereby enriching the cultural conversation around identity.

James uses all opportunities gained in his creative career to complement his work in Education Support and Student Welfare. Striving to set a positive example for the emerging generations of change makers by aiding and collaborating with them through disadvantages, trauma, learning difficulties and disabilities.

SPEAKER TOPICS: