Valentina Sampaio Is The First Trans Model Featured In SI Swimsuit Issue

Rainbow Kini: Sports Illustrated’s Illustrious Swimsuit Issue Introduces First Trans Model Valentina Sampaio

Posted on July 10, 2020 - By Janeé Bolden

We’re used to Chrissy Teigen being one of the few Asian faces in SI, so it was great to see Hyunjoo Hwang – aka Joo Joo as friends call her — also in the rookie class.

“Being a part of the SI Swim family is truly a dream come true. This is an opportunity for me to get that message out to other Asian women and say you’re beautiful! You can be sexy and celebrate your body the way you are and it’s ok! It’s such an honor that I can help do that. My experience with SI Swimsuit has added another positive experience to my journey as a woman.”

Hyunjoo posed some BTS from her shoots. The Korean model is also a talented ballet dancer.

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