Valentina Sampaio Makes History as Sports Illustrated’s First Trans Model

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Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue is a modeling institution. In the 56 years since its inception, the special edition has elevated stars like Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, and Ashley Graham to household-name status, and each year it ushers in a new set of rookies from around the globe. The parameters for success have historically been narrow, but the concept has evolved to reflect the times. The year 2020 brings the first trans woman to grace SI’s pages, the Brazilian-born model Valentina Sampaio. She’s used to breaking boundaries—Sampaio was already the first trans model to make the cover of a Vogue edition—but discovering she had made the cut was special. “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,” she shared with Vogue. “I am excited and honored to be part [of this].”

The inclusive spirit of Sports Illustrated’s current model lineup can be credited to the publication’s longtime editor in chief, MJ Day. Day included Graham as the first plus-size model in 2016; Halima Aden as its first hijabi face in 2019; and had Banks return at the age of 46 to dazzle on the cover in 2019, all of which has heightened the relevance of the annual issue. For Day, the casting process is more about character than how someone looks in a bikini. “Our goal in selecting who we feature is centered around identifying some of the most inspiring, interesting, and multidimensional women that we can find,” she says. Sampaio had been on Day’s radar for her activism within the LGBTQIA community. “We are deeply moved that Valentina was willing to put her trust in us,” says Day. “We didn’t think twice about wanting to amplify her voice and message and give her a platform to advocate from on behalf of her personal aspirations and the trans community.”

Sampaio has long been vocal in her support of Brazil’s trans community, and hopes that her moment in the rookie spotlight can shine a light on the issues facing LGBTQIA people in her nation. “Brazil is a beautiful country, but it also hosts the highest number of violent crimes and murders against the trans community globally—three times that of the U.S.,” she says. “Being trans usually means facing closed doors to peoples’ hearts and minds.” Front and center on Good Morning America this morning to announce the news, Sampaio is guaranteed to win over a whole new audience by bringing her beauty to one of American’s iconic magazines. As Day says, “[This] is what we can do as a brand, especially during these uncertain times, support her and celebrate her.”