Leyna Bloom, the first black and Asian transgender woman to appear in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue, took the stand in july.
The American model and actress, who initially made headlines, was the first woman of color to star in a film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, the "Port Authority" of 2019.
In a statement to CNN Style, Sports Illustrated praised Lena Bloom for her "undeniable sense of self, which shines the moment she walks on set."
Leyna Bloom walks the runway for the Chromat Spring/Summer 2020 fashion show during New York Fashion Week
"(Lena's) story represents a story based on resilience, and we're very excited to help her tell it," the statement continued. "Her presence as the first woman of color to appear in our question is the result of her lifelong commitment to forging her own path, which has led to acceptance, love and change." She represents everyone's right to love themselves and be the person they want to be. ”
Sports Illustrated set several firsts in recent history. In 1997, Tyra Banks became the first black woman to feature a personal cover in SI's swimwear special. Ashley Graham became one of the magazine's first plus-size cover models in 2016, and in 2019, Banks returned to become the magazine's oldest cover star.
Bloom, a black and Filipino, is the only transgender woman to appear in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit special. Last year, Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio became the first. Bloom told CNN Style that it was "an incredible feeling and achievement" to participate in sports illustrated swimwear specials, but added that "there is still a lot of work to be done to get more representation." ”
Leyna Bloom at the 45th Deauville American Film Festival awards ceremony in 2019.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Bloom said she "never thought" she would be born in a time when things like this happen to people of [her] skin color. ”
To celebrate, the model posted a photo on her Instagram with the caption: "This is what bloom looks like." ”