Leyna Bloom becomes first trans woman of color to appear in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Los Angeles, California - Leyna Bloom has made history as the first Black and Asian trans woman to model in a Swimsuit issue for Sports Illustrated.

Leyna Bloom has made history as the first trans woman of color to be featured in Sports Illustrated.
Leyna Bloom has made history as the first trans woman of color to be featured in Sports Illustrated.  © instagram/leynabloom

Bloom, who has modeled for the likes of H&M and Tommy Hilfiger, announced that she would be appearing in the latest edition of the iconic magazine last week.

"This moment is bigger than my wildest infinite dreams. In this moment, I am a representation of all the communities I grew from, and all the communities I’m planting seeds in," the model wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of the beach shoot.

"Before my feet even touched the sand, you all wanted to celebrate the temple of my body and the deepest part of my spiritual universe," she wrote, addressing the magazine’s editor-in-chief.

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Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated praised Leyna Bloom for her "undeniable sense of self that shines through the minute she walks on set," it said in a statement to CNN.

"Her presence as the first trans woman of color to be in our issue is a result of her lifetime dedication to forging her own path that has led to acceptance, love and change. She represents every person's right to love themselves and be who they want to be," the statement continued.

Speaking to ABC News, Bloom said modelling in the edition makes her feel respected and worthy.

"We need to constantly remind ourselves to protect those people in our society that are destined, that are different, that are beautiful uniquely themselves to go out and do what they’re destined to do which is to challenge society to make it better for everyone else," she said.

Cover photo: collage/instagram/leynabloom

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