Meet Sports Illustrated's First Black, Asian Transgender Swimsuit Model
Huff PostLOADING ERROR LOADING After successfully pushing for diversity on runways and in fashion spreads, Leyna Bloom is back to smash yet another barrier. The Chicago native is featured in the pages of Sports Illustrated’s 2021 Swimsuit Issue, becoming the first Black, Asian transgender model to appear in the magazine. She follows Valentina Sampaio, who last year became Sports Illustrated’s first transgender swimsuit model. In a short essay announcing Bloom’s appearance in the magazine, editor MJ Day praised the Black and Filipino model for having “an undeniable sense of self that shines through the minute she walks on set.” “We are honored to have her in this year’s issue and understand the effect it will have on so many others,” Day wrote. In this moment, I am a representation of all the communities I grew from, and all the communities I’m planting seeds in.” The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue pictorial is perhaps Bloom’s most high-profile achievement, but her career has been on the rise for some time.
History of this topic
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Kim Petras shares glee at becoming second transgender cover star of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit goes bold: Megan Thee Stallion, Naomi Osaka, Leyna Bloom
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Leyna Bloom becomes first transgender woman of colour in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue
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