Leyna Bloom simply made historical past. The mannequin and actor is the primary overtly transgender girl to seem on the duvet of Sports activities Illustrated’s Swimsuit Problem.
“This cowl and this second characterize what it seems to be like sooner or later,” she instructed Web page Six.
“Being an individual of trans expertise rising up on the planet, there was no illustration of that [in fashion], so I felt like I may by no means do that,” she instructed the outlet. “I believe it [was] simply placing myself on the market, figuring out that I used to be born in a world I didn’t slot in, so I’ve to create one which I do. I simply wished to be seen on the planet and let folks know that individuals like me do exist and we’re stunning.”
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“I’ve dreamt one million stunning goals, however for women like me, most goals are simply fanciful hopes in a world that always erases and omits our historical past and even existence,” Bloom wrote on Instagram alongside a photograph of the duvet. “This second is so highly effective as a result of it permits me to reside perpetually even after my bodily type is gone. Not lots of people get to reside sooner or later, so at this second, I’m proudly selecting to reside perpetually.”
She continued, “I dedicate this cowl to all ballroom femme queens previous, current and future. This historic second is vital to #girlslikeus as a result of it permits us to reside and be seen. Many ladies like us don’t have the prospect to reside our goals, or to reside lengthy in any respect. I hope my cowl empowers these, who’re struggling to be seen, really feel valued. Let me be a messenger guiding us to a way forward for respect and appreciation for all girls in all types and from all walks of life.”
Leyna Bloom is certainly one of three cowl stars this yr; she’s joined by Naomi Osaka and Megan Thee Stallion, who every have separate covers.
Two years in the past Bloom broke new floor on the Cannes Movie Pageant. Per EW, in 2019 she turned the primary trans girl of colour to steer a film on the occasion; she starred within the drama Port Authority, directed by Danielle Lessovitz.