The 23-year-old Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio has been selected as a model to be featured in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue which will be released on 21 July.
Valentina Sampaio became the first transgender woman to be featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. In a personal letter on the magazine’s website, the Brazilian model, said: "I am excited and honoured to be part of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue."
Continuing to break barriers in the modelling industry and to enhance transgender visibility across all spectrums, she praised the team at SI has for creating a groundbreaking issue and for bringing a diverse set of multitalented women together in a more respectful way.
This is just another feather in her cap. In 2019 she became Victoria Secret’s first openly transgender model and was hired for catalogue work for the company’s athletic line- VS Pink. In 2017, she became the first transgender model to be on the cover of a Vogue Paris edition.
"Being trans usually means facing closed doors to peoples’ hearts and minds. 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." she said.
Being her humble self, she also recognises that she is the 'fortunate one' and wishes to represent and raise her voice for the transgender community.
In her letter on the SI Swimsuit’s website, she thanked the magazine saying, “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.”
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