Victoria's Secret petitioned to hire first transgender model

 Victoria's Secret is synonymous with sultry femininity, and if Carmen Carrera had her way, that would include transgendered women as well.

Fans have petitioned for the transgender burlesque performer and model to join the ranks of Heidi Klum, Gisele Bundchen and Miranda Kerr as Victoria's Secret's newest Angel. The Change.org petition, which calls Carrera "a force to be reckoned with," says such a move by Victoria's Secret would "show the entire community that they embrace trans patrons." The petition has received more than 36,000 signatures, but Carrera told CNN en Español that she has yet to hear from the lingerie company.

"Trans women are a part of the female population and I think that they deserve a respectful representation," Carrera said. "It would be pretty amazing for Victoria's Secret to be that huge corporation that embraces trans women. We shop there as well. I can only hope and dream, but I think it's time. And, I meet most of the requirements and have credibility as a model. They should do it."

Victoria's Secret declined to comment.

Before Carrera became "Carmen," she was Christopher Roman from New Jersey. She first garnered fame on Season Three of "RuPaul's Drag Race" on the LOGO network. She began her transition to a woman after the show wrapped, and has since been signed by Elite Model Management, appeared on "What Would You Do?" and in W magazine, and worked with famed photographer Steven Meisel on a film.

For five seasons "RuPaul's Drag Race" has demystified drag queens and redefined a standard of beauty. "RuPaul's Drag Race" executive producer Tom Campbell told CNN, "The first face of MAC VIVA GLAM was RuPaul, (who) was a pioneer for drag performers. Now it's Carmen Carrera's chance to break the 'beauty barrier' for trans people."

While the LGBT community has made some strides around the nation, Carrera said she still comes across many people who simply don't understand the transgender community. "For a long time trans people have always been a joke. Our reputation has always been the bottom of the barrel and it's not fair," she said.