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Brazilian Model Valentina Sampaio becomes first transgender Sports Illustrated swimsuit model

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Stephanie McKennaThe West Australian
Valentina Sampaio was named a 2020 rookie for the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated.
Camera IconValentina Sampaio was named a 2020 rookie for the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated. Credit: Sports Illustrated/Instagram

Sports Illustrated will feature its first openly transgender model on the cover of the magazine’s coveted swimsuit issue.

Valentina Sampaio was named a 2020 rookie for the upcoming issue which hits stands on July 21.

The 23-year-old Brazilian model and actress is no stranger to making history — she was the first trans model to make the cover of Vogue in 2017 and last year she was featured in a Victoria’s Secret campaign.

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It marks a significant shift towards inclusivity in the beauty industry's historically narrow standards which Sports Illustrated has played a role in throughout the years.

In its 56 year history the publication has featured Tyra Banks as the first Black model to grace the cover in 1997, Ashley Graham as the first plus sized model in 2016 and last year Halima Aden was the first model to wear a hijab.

Valentina Sampaio is the first openly transgender model to feature on the cover.
Camera IconValentina Sampaio is the first openly transgender model to feature on the cover. Credit: Sports Illustrated/Instagram

Sampaio shared her gratitude for the life changing opportunities she has been given with her followers on Instagram.

“I am excited and honored to be part of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue,” Sampaio wrote.

“The team at SI has created yet another groundbreaking issue by bringing together a diverse set of multitalented, beautiful women in a creative and dignified way.”

Last year the Brazilian beauty featured in a Victoria’s Secret campaign.
Camera IconLast year the Brazilian beauty featured in a Victoria’s Secret campaign. Credit: Sports Illustrated/Instagram

She acknowledged that trans people continue to face violence and prejudice in her home country.

“I was born trans in a remote, humble fishing village in northern Brazil. Brazil is a beautiful country, but it also hosts the highest number of violent crimes and murders against the trans community in the world—three times that of the U.S.,” Sampaio wrote.

“Being trans usually means facing closed doors to peoples’ hearts and minds. We face snickers, insults, fearful reactions and physical violations just for existing,” Sampaio wrote.

“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.”

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