Laine Bloom is leading a welcome change, starring in the prestigious swimsuit issue that is expected to be published in July • "I had conditions, I did not agree to be photographed in a bikini"
Model and actress Lena Bloom is making history as the first African-American transgender woman to star this year in the festive issue of swimwear considered "Sports Illustrated" which is expected to come out this coming July.
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Last year, model Valentina Sampaio was the first transgender woman to star in the magazine, so here's a statement.
In the first photos published in recent days, Bloom is lying on the beach in a full bronze swimsuit with cuts in the abdomen, in a cut where the top of the swimsuit is not revealing at all.
Two days ago, she told the New York Times in an interview about her difficult childhood, the racism and discriminatory treatment in the industry towards her in the past and the change that has taken place in the last year in accepting the different, including transgender people.
She also spoke about the decision to participate in the magazine's filming, saying: "I want them to see that I and everyone else can be respected and valued regardless of sexuality, skin color and body type. My agent called and said the magazine executives wanted me. I was happy about it but also set conditions. I will agree on the condition that the photos will not be in a bikini but in a full bathing suit. "
On the choice she made in Sports Illustrated magazine that Bloom is an activist. Her presence in the issue as the first transgender woman with a dark skin tone was a choice that testifies to the lead of leading for change. It represents everyone's right to love themselves and be who they are. "We want to be. We were thrilled by her desire to leave the world in a better place."
Bloom was photographed for a magazine with 12 models of different swimwear.
"It was an amazing experience, a dream come true," she said.
According to her, there are still many steps that need to be taken until the desired change arrives, but this is an important step along the way.
