Photo: WENN
Beyonce has prominently featured a model with muscular dystrophy to advertise her new official merchandise.
Jillian Mercado is a wheelchair user who works as a fashion model - and is credited as one of the few disabled models in the industry. She's been recruited by Beyonce to model several of her 'Formation' themed clothing items, including a "hot sauce" cap and a jumper which reads, "I twirl on them haters."
"So BEYond excited to finally announce that I'm on the official @beyonce website!!!" wrote Mercado on Instagram. "A special shout to to Queen Bee herself and the amazing team behind it."
Speaking to Vogue last year, Mercado spoke of being initially "hesitant" to immerse herself in the world of modelling. "I wasn't sure about showing everyone my world because I didn't know if there would be an audience," she said. "We've been brainwashed [as a society] not to care about someone who has a disability, or their world."
She added, "When I was younger, I was looking for that role model. I had people who I admired, but there was no one [with a disability] who I could look to. I was shocked that I didn't see anyone in the industry who was like me.
"So when people—girls especially—tell me that I'm their role model, I am taken aback. I love it and it is flattering, but it affects me on a very personal level because I remember growing up without having a person I could look to."
Meanwhile, after dropping her incredible new single 'Formation' last month, Beyonce announced a massive UK tour. Beyonce's full upcoming UK Formation tour dates are below. For tickets and more information, visit here.
Tue June 28 2016 - SUNDERLAND Stadium Of Light
Thu June 30 2016 - CARDIFF Principality Stadium Cardiff
Sat July 02 2016 - LONDON Wembley Stadium
Sun July 03 2016 - LONDON Wembley Stadium
Tue July 05 2016 - MANCHESTER Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Thu July 07 2016 - GLASGOW Hampden Park National Stadium
Sat July 09 2016 - DUBLIN Croke Park
