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

“It’s a huge honor for me to be a rookie this year! Many models in the magazine I’ve followed and admired for a very long time during my career, so to be alongside them in the pages of SI Swimsuit is a huge accomplishment. Now being a positive role model for young women feels surreal and a dream come true. Two years ago I started this process with Swim Search and got to meet the SI Swimsuit family. Their enthusiasm, expertise, and unique approach has helped me grow so much as a individual and evolve as a model.”

“Being constantly pushed, inspired, and surrounded by strong, diverse, and beautiful women inside and out was the highlight of working with SI Swimsuit and what makes it an absolute dream. It is truly a family and a place where women can feel empowered and beautiful in their own ways!”

“I always like to say that beauty comes from within and I am so thankful I was adopted into the SI Swimsuit family who are standing for so many beautiful things to make us women feel confident and stronger than ever. You are you and that is your power, with all your perfect imperfections“