“This moment heals a lot of pain in the world. We deserve this moment; we have waited millions of years to show up as survivors and be seen as full humans filled with wonder.“
Model and actress Leyna Bloom has once again made history, becoming the first trans woman to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual Swimsuit issue.
The theme for this year’s issue is “Opening Eyes, Speaking Truths and Changing Minds” and Bloom’s headline shot is one of three separate covers, alongside stars Meg Thee Stallion and Naomi Osaka.
This isn’t the first time the model and actress has made history, previously becoming the first trans woman of color to lead a film premiering at Cannes Film Festival with Port Authority. The project became her acting debut and, among other projects, she followed it up with a recurring role on Pose.
Bloom took to Instagram to say: “I’m am so happy, honored, and humbled to share that I’m the 1st trans woman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated!”
The swimsuit issue hits newsstands July 22