Valentina Sampaio Is the First Transgender Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model
Model Valentina Sampaio is continuing to make history—becoming the first transgender model to appear in the famous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
“Our goal in selecting who we feature is centered around identifying some of the most inspiring, interesting, and multidimensional women that we can find,” SI editor-in-chief M.J. Day told Vogue. “We are deeply moved that Valentina was willing to put her trust in us. We didn’t think twice about wanting to amplify her voice and message and give her a platform to advocate from on behalf of her personal aspirations and the trans community.”
Sampaio, who is very active in the trans community, shared her thoughts about the big news with her fans on Instagram.
“I am excited and honored to be part of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The team at SI has created another groundbreaking issue by bringing together a diverse set of multitalented, beautiful women in a creative and dignified way,” she wrote, alongside an image from her photo shoot. “I was born trans in a remote, humble fishing village in northern Brazil. Brazil is a beautiful country, but it also hosts the highest number of violent crimes and murders against the trans community in the world—three times that of the U.S.”
“Being trans usually means facing closed doors to peoples’ hearts and minds,” Sampaio continued. “We face snickers, insults, fearful reactions and physical violations just for existing. Our options for growing up in a loving and accepting family, having a fruitful experience at school or finding dignified work are unimaginably limited and challenging. 💜🧡💛❤️💚”
Supermodel Helena Christensen, a photographer herself, commented, “I have had the honor of photographing you and your beauty blew me away. But even more so did your kindness, and tender, lovely spirit ♥️♥️♥️”
SI shared more images on their dedicated swimsuit issue Instagram feed and is hosting a live interview with Sampaio and GLAAD at 1 p.m. E.T. today (July 10).
Previously, Sampaio has broken down barriers as the first trans model to appear on a Vogue cover (Vogue Paris, March 2017) and in a Victoria's Secret fashion show—each well-earned accomplishment a step forward for trans representation in the world of fashion and beyond.
Originally Appeared on Glamour
