Hello? Inclusivity in the fashion world? Is that you?
More and more fashion brands and longstanding publications are continuing to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be a model, and Sports Illustrated is the latest to do just that.
Instagram | @si_swimsuit
Sports Illustrated Just Cast Valentina Sampaio As Their First Transgender Swimsuit Model
Transgender model Valentina Sampaio is once again making history.
Instagram | @valentts
Last year, she became Victoria Secret's first ever transgender model, and now she's Sports Illustrated's.
As many are aware, *Sports Illustrated's* Swimsuit Issue is famously known for being an exhibition for the male gaze.
As a heavily male-dominant publication, it seems that they're turning over a new leaf, empowering women as opposed to merely consuming them.
"I am excited and honored to be part of the iconic *Sports Illustrated* Swimsuit Issue," Valentina wrote in an Instagram post.
"Being trans usually means facing closed doors to peoples’ hearts and minds," she 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."
*Sports Illustrated* is using their large platform to help de-stigmatize and bring necessary attention and acceptance to the trans community.
They're also helping reshape what it means to be a fierce, sexy, and confident model who's comfortable in her own skin, especially in such a cis male-dominated field.
We love to see it! Here's to hoping more publications step up to the plate.
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