Valentina Sampaio Is the First Transgender Model to Appear in the ‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit Issue

From Cosmopolitan

• Valentina Sampaio is the first transgender woman to appear in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue.

• Valentina previously made history for being Victoria’s Secret first model who is trans.

The world of swimsuit modeling has surely come a long way, and by that, I am directly referring to Sports Illustrated’s esteemed swimsuit issue, because who/what else? Tyra Banks made history as the first Black woman to be on its cover back in 1997, and more recently, Ashley Graham became the first plus-size model to snag a cover in 2016. But history is being made yet again: Valentina Sampaio has become the first transgender woman to appear in Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue, and she couldn’t be more excited.

“I was filled with so many emotions of happiness when I heard the news. The feeling was surreal,” Valentina told People. “Being in SI Swim has always been on my bucket list of things to achieve in my career. It’s a dream come true on so many levels. SI has been a deeply meaningful achievement. To come from a space of fear and marginalization to now being included in one of the most iconic magazines that truly embraces and celebrates diversity—it is life changing.”

Valentina also made waves after becoming the first trans woman to model for Victoria’s Secret in 2019—a monumental moment for the brand, especially considering that the brand’s former CEO Jan Singer came under fire for saying that trans people don’t fit the “fantasy” aspect of its annually televised runway show. Five months after those comments, Valentina got the job.

At the time, Valentina said her being chosen to work with the brand was a major step toward inclusivity in fashion.

“This represents a victory for society, not just the trans community but for all people who are currently underrepresented in fashion,” she told Elle. “We are experiencing a moment, an evolution, and it is a positive one. Brands are finally learning and catching up to the importance of inclusivity and diversity.” She added, “It is hugely important moment not only for myself but my community and beyond.”

Congrats to this beautiful rising star!

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