Sports Illustrated Makes History By Casting First Transgender Model In Magazine
Image via DFree / Shutterstock.com
Sports Illustrated broke barriers by casting its first transgender model on the pages of the iconic Swimsuit issue.
Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio, dubbed as one of 2020’s “rookies,” donned a white one-piece bikini and a taupe bikini in the shoot. Sampaio joins Josephine Skriver, Brooks Nader, and Marquita Pring in this year’s edition of the magazine.
Sampaio grew up in northern Brazil, and has been using her platform to empower transgender people and advocate their rights. Talking about what it means to be part of SI, Sampaio said she was “excited and honored,” and praised the magazine for championing the “diverse set of multitalented, beautiful women in a creative and dignified way.”
In an open letter, Sampaio explained that her success as a model was not “easy,” and that she fought a lot of discrimination on her way to the top. She now uses her status to make a “positive difference” and speak up for the transgender community in Brazil.
“I recognize that I am one of the fortunate ones, and my intention is to honor that as best I can,” Sampaio wrote in SI.
“I believe that better people build a better world for all of us, and I stand for any and everyone who, like me, suffers prejudice for not fitting into society’s standards,” she continued. She vows to fight for equality and continue to instill confidence in those who have been marginalized.
“Thank you, SI, for seeing and respecting me as I truly am. For understanding that more than anything, I am human. Thank you for supporting me in continuing to spread a message of love, compassion and unity for all,” she concluded.
[via CNN, opening image via DFree / Shutterstock.com]
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