Leyna Bloom becomes first black, Asian trans model to pose for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Sports Illustrated has revealed the first ever black and Asian transgender model to grace the pages of its annual Swimsuit Issue.

Though the iconic magazine doesn’t launch until July, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Instagram account has been unveiling one model a day throughout the month of March — and this morning, they made waves with the announcement that Chicago-born model, dancer, actor, and activist Leyna Bloom, 27, is joining the likes of Lais Ribeiro and Josephine Skriver in the 2021 edition.

Leyna, who is the second trans model to pose for SI Swim, opened up to Good Morning America about her boundary-breaking accomplishment, gushing: ‘I never imagined that I would be born in a time when something like this would happen for someone with my skin tone and for someone with my background.’

Strike a pose! Chicago-born model, dancer, actor, and activist Leyna Bloom, 27, is joining the likes of Lais Ribeiro and Josephine Skriver in the 2021 edition

She said: ‘I never imagined that I would be born in a time when something like this would happen for someone with my skin tone and for someone with my background’

Speaking out: Leyna, who is the second trans model to pose for SI Swim, opened up to Good Morning America about her boundary-breaking accomplishment

First: ‘Port Authority’ star Leyna has already racked up several ‘firsts,’ including being the first trans woman of color to have a leading role in a movie featured at the Cannes Film Festival

‘Port Authority’ star Leyna has already racked up several ‘firsts,’ including being the first trans woman of color to have a leading role in a movie featured at the Cannes Film Festival. 

She was also one of only a few trans models to take to the runways of New York City Fashion Week, the only trans model to walk in the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya’s 2019 Fall/Winter show, and was the first trans woman of color in Vogue India. 

Now, she’s following in the footsteps of Valentina Sampaio, who became the first trans model to pose for SI Swim last year.

Leyna says their presence in the magazine refutes criticism that the brand is just about objectifying women. 

‘This is a magazine that says we’re allowed to be beautiful in all our shapes and sizes, and that should be loved, because we’re not often seen in that way,’ she said.

Leyna also talked about her past struggles with homelessness, and how her dreams for something bigger kept her going. 

‘I’ve dealt with homelessness throughout my life,’ she said. ‘So when I moved to New York City, and being homeless on the trains, or being homeless on the benches, it was a homeless for a purpose, it wasn’t homeless to be homeless. I knew that this was what I needed to do to get to where I needed to be.’

Fab: She was also one of only a few trans models to take to the runways of New York City Fashion Week

Strut! She was the only trans model to walk in the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya’s 2019 Fall/Winter show, and was the first trans woman of color in Vogue India

Proud: Leyna says their presence in the magazine refutes criticism that the brand is just about objectifying women

She added: ‘The dream was feeding me when I was hungry in my body.’

The up-and-comer also shared a message with viewers about protecting trans people — and everyone who is vulnerable.

‘We need to constantly remind ourselves to protect those people in our society that are different, that are beautiful uniquely as themselves, to go out in the world and do what they’re destined to do, which is to challenge society to make it better for everyone else,’ she said.

Meanwhile, SI Swim editor MJ Day appeared on the morning show to sing Leyna’s praises.

‘She walked on that set and she owned it. And that’s what I want for every woman to feel in their life. They have a seat at the table, they have a right to be there,’ she said.

Writing on Instagram, the editor added that Leyna is ‘strikingly gorgeous and has an undeniable sense of self that shines through the minute she walks on set’. 

‘Her story represents one grounded in resilience and we couldn’t be more thrilled to help her tell it,’ she went on.  

‘This is a a magazine that says we’re allowed to be beautiful in all our shapes and sizes, and that should be loved, because we’re not often seen in that way,’ she said

Perseverance: Leyna also talked about her past struggles with homelessness, and how her dreams for something bigger kept her going

Activism: The up-and-comer also shared a message with viewers about protecting trans people — and everyone who is vulnerable

Praises: SI Swim editor MJ Day said she is ‘strikingly gorgeous and has an undeniable sense of self that shines through the minute she walks on set’

‘Her presence as the first trans woman of color to be in our issue is a result of her lifetime dedication to forging her own path that has led to acceptance, love and change. 

‘She represents every person’s right to love themselves and be who they want to be. We are honored to have her in this year’s issue and understand the effect it will have on so many others. She joins our team, not because of what she represents but because of her beauty, commitment and desire to leave the world a better place.’

Leyna had previously opened up about her background in an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2019, explaining how she came to be homeless at age 17.

She’d earned a dance scholarship at the Chicago Academy for the Arts, but by that point has already begun to transition to female. In an effort to keep her scholarship, which was for a male dancer, she shaved her hair and began presenting as male again — but she couldn’t make that work and didn’t feel like she was her ‘authentic’ self.

When the school refused to let her dance as female or switch to another program, she dropped out and moved to New York City, where she slept on subway trains for several weeks.

‘I’ve dealt with homelessness throughout my life,’ Leyna said

Going far: She got her start in the ballroom community in New York

Representation: She’s glad to offer more representation to people who may only be familiar with trans people as side shows

‘Trans women were completely non-visible in pop culture unless it was on “Maury” or “Jerry Springer,”‘ she said (pictured modeling for Tommy Hilfiger)

Eventually, she began to score modeling gigs, including an H&M X Moschino campaign alongside Gigi Hadid. 

She’s glad to offer more representation to people who may only be familiar with trans people as side shows. 

‘Trans women were completely non-visible in pop culture unless it was on “Maury” or “Jerry Springer,”‘ she said. 

‘I don’t want to be a gimmick or a source of entertainment — I want to be respected.’

Leyna is joining several other gorgeous women in this year’s Swimsuit Issue, including returning stars and other headline-making first timers.  

The SI Swimsuit Issue has grown increasingly diverse over recent years, casting women of different ages, body types, and backgrounds. 

This year’s lineup includes not just the first black and Asian transgender model, byt also several curvy models and a former pediatric oncology nurse who returned to hospitals during the pandemic.

A model nurse! Maggie Rawlins is a former pediatric oncology nurse who returned to hospitals during the pandemic

History: She was working as a nurse in Charleston, South Carolina when she was scouted and changed careers, eventually earning modeling gigs with Love Magazine and Elle Croatia

She said: ‘I feel like everyone has a role and responsibility to play during the pandemic. Since I have an active nursing license, I felt like [going back to nursing] was the right thing to do’

‘Not only is she an incredibly beautiful model, she is also living proof that it’s never too late to give back to your community,’ said editor MJ Day 

Maggie Rawlins

Maggie Rawlins doesn’t just bring brains and beauty to SI Swim — she also brings heart, as a nurse who has volunteered at hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She was working as a nurse in Charleston, South Carolina when she was scouted and changed careers, eventually earning modeling gigs with Love Magazine and Elle Croatia. 

But when the pandemic hit, she returned to her healthcare roots to save lives in Queens, New York hospitals and by volunteering as a One World Health ambassador. 

‘I was working in LA, and I booked a flight back [to South Carolina] thinking it would be a month or so,’ Rawlins, who has modeled for lingerie brand Intimissimi and secured the October cover of Elle Croatia, told the New York Post. 

‘I had the skill set as a nurse, and it was a responsibility more than anything else… You just hit the ground running. There were a lot of obstacles.’ 

Speaking to People, Maggie added: ‘I feel like everyone has a role and responsibility to play during the pandemic. Since I have an active nursing license, I felt like [going back to nursing] was the right thing to do. Additionally, it was in New York City… That city has been so good to me, and I wanted to give back.’ 

She working at a Queens medical facility as a registered nurse at the height of the pandemic

Maggie is a former pediatric oncology nurse and a OneWorld Health volunteer

While modeling, Rawlins volunteered with nonprofit OneWorld Health to keep her credentials. She traveled to countries such as Uganda and Nicaragua, working as a triage nurse

MJ Day shared the decision to cast her this year on Instagram, explaining: ‘Not only is she an incredibly beautiful model, she is also living proof that it’s never too late to give back to your community. She returned to her career in nursing when COVID-19 hit, volunteering to work at several hospitals in Queens. 

‘As a former pediatric oncology nurse and a COVID frontline warrior, her dedication, commitment and passion towards helping others are the types of traits we love to celebrate and highlight.’

‘I had no idea I was even on SI’s radar,’ Maggie added. ‘I got a call from my agent saying I was up for it. Then two hours later, he said, “You’re confirmed for Sports Illustrated, and you’re shooting in three weeks.”‘

The married model had to quickly get back in shape as she had been indulging in treats like red wine. 

The SI model notes Kathy Ireland and Elle Macpherson as her favorite swim models, and hopes that her bikini-clad moment brings awareness to health-care workers.   

‘I want to stress that I was only there for three weeks, which is nothing compared to the sacrifices they have made,’ she said. ‘COVID hasn’t stopped for them.’  

Va-va-voom! Marquita Pring, 30, from Albany, New York has been modeling since age 15, signing with IMG curvy model devision in 2010

Back! Last year, she joined SI Swimsuit as a rookie, and now she’s back for take two

Experience: She’s walked for Jean Paul Gaultier in his Spring 2011 show, posed for Vogue Italia, and appeared in campaigns for L’Oreal and Levi Strauss & Co

Marquita Pring

Marquita Pring, 30, from Albany, New York has been modeling since age 15, signing with IMG curvy model devision in 2010. 

She’s walked for Jean Paul Gaultier in his Spring 2011 show, posed for Vogue Italia, and appeared in campaigns for L’Oreal and Levi Strauss & Co.

Last year, she joined SI Swimsuit as a rookie, and now she’s back for take two.

‘Marquita is a natural fit for our brand,’ said editor MJ Day. 

‘She is effortless to photograph, and a pleasure to be around. She is smart, competent, established, possesses a hunger and dedication to changing the industry. 

‘Her voice is powerful, and it is an important one for the world to hear. She represents so many different types of women and we are incredibly lucky to be a part of her story.’

On fire! Natalie Mariduena, 24, is a phenomenon,’ said MJ Day. ‘She is beautiful, kind, intelligent and creative’

Natalie (left) is already known to some internet users as the assistant of David Dobrik (center), and now she’s getting the spotlight all to herself in this summer’s SI Swimsuit Issue

‘Being at the forefront of industry change, Natalie beautifully blurs the line in a world that too often tells women that they have to pick a lane and stay in it.

Natalie Mariduena

Natalie Mariduena, 24, is already known to some internet users as David Dobrik’s assistant, and now she’s getting the spotlight all to herself in this summer’s SI Swimsuit Issue.

The Vernon Hills, Illinois native, who is also Head of Brand for the new social app Dispo, is the first rookie to be named for 2021.

‘Natalie is a phenomenon,’ said MJ Day. ‘She is beautiful, kind, intelligent and creative. 

‘Fan after fan circled and approached her during our shoot and she graciously greeted every one of them with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. You immediately get why she has made such an impact on her legions of fans. 

‘Being at the forefront of industry change, Natalie beautifully blurs the line in a world that too often tells women that they have to pick a lane and stay in it. We are proud to celebrate a woman like Natalie, a like-minded individual, who is passionate about seeing the SI Swimsuit message through. 

‘She recognizes the importance of changing the industry, using her following and her notoriety to help others. She has created her own success story through her entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen and relatable mentality.’ 

Beauty queen: Minnesota native Haley Kalil, 28, is a former Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2010 and Miss Minnesota USA 2014

Smarty pants: She graduated summa cum laude from St. Cloud State University with a degree in medical biology and psychology and volunteered at the local hospital

Flashback: Haley is pictured modeling during the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show

Haley Kalil

Minnesota native Haley Kalil, 28, is a former Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2010 and Miss Minnesota USA 2014.

But she’s not just a pretty face: She graduated summa cum laude from St. Cloud State University with a degree in medical biology and psychology and volunteered at the local hospital and in an immunology lab during school.

These days, she’s a pro modeling for SI Swimsuit, having made her debut in the magazine’s first-ever casting call in 2018 — where she was named co-winner with Camille Kostek. 

‘Haley possesses the most contagious energy and enthusiasm,’ said MJ Day. ‘Haley has positioned herself as a beauty with brains advocate — unabashedly encouraging women to be equally enthusiastic about academia and science while feeling beautiful and sexy at the same time. 

‘Haley created #NerdHerd, a social media movement for women to showcase the multidimensional nature of womanhood — simultaneously embracing one’s body and one’s mind while still demanding respect. 

Winner! Tanaye White, 29, was one of two winners of the 2020 #SISwimSearch

Success! In November 2019, the Georgetown University graduate quit her high-powered job at the third largest defense and aerospace agency in the world to try her hand at modeling 

‘Tanaye is a force to be reckoned with,’ said MJ Day. ‘Beautiful, brilliant, humble, and hardworking, she’s accomplished so much on her own’ 

Lookin’ good! Hailing from Southington, Connecticut, White tried out during the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show (pictured)

Tanaye White

Tanaye White, 29, was one of two winners of the 2020 #SISwimSearch.

In November 2019, the Georgetown University graduate quit her high-powered job at the third largest defense and aerospace agency in the world to try her hand at modeling — and will earned a spot as a rookies in the 2021 issue.   

‘Tanaye is a force to be reckoned with,’ said MJ Day. ‘Beautiful, brilliant, humble, and hardworking, she’s accomplished so much on her own and is a prime example of what can happen when you unapologetically pursue your dreams. 

‘This year will be a game changer for Tanaye as she takes the next step in her modeling career as an official ROOKIE in SI Swimsuit and as an advocate for representation.’

After earning the spot last year, the Southington, Connecticut native gushed to DailyMail.com: ‘My dream really came true and I still can’t believe it!’ 

‘I prayed so hard for this and if anything, this shows working hard and speaking things into existence is the key to achieving anything you desire. I feel like I’m on cloud 9! I never want this feeling to end.’  

Star power: Lais Ribeiro, 30, is one of the handful of models who’ve stunned as both an SI Swimsuit model and a Victoria’s Secret Angel

Wowza! Modeling since 2009, she’s walked runways for Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, and more

‘Lais has an aura of effortlessness around her that acts as a magnetic force, making it difficult to look away,’ said MJ Day

Big star: Lais is pictured at the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Lais Ribeiro

Lais Ribeiro, 30, is one of the handful of models who’ve stunned as both an SI Swimsuit model and a Victoria’s Secret Angel.

Modeling since 2009, she’s walked runways for  Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, and Michael Kors, and was the most sought-after model in 2011 with more than 50 shows in a seingle season. 

‘Lais has an aura of effortlessness around her that acts as a magnetic force, making it difficult to look away,’ said MJ Day. 

‘She is gorgeous, and on top of that, she is an incredibly hard-working mother whose energy brings so much joy to those around her. 

‘She uses her platform to spread awareness around autism and what it’s like to be a mother of an autistic son. If there is one thing we can do as a brand, it’s to empower individuals to speak up for what they are passionate about and Lais uses her reach and influence to do just that.’

Favorites: SI Swimsuit 2018 cover star Danielle Herrington, 27, is back again for the 2021 issue

A stand! She is proudly wearing her hair in braids, a protective hairstyle that has long faced racist backlash — and which she hasn’t been able to rock since she was a young teen

Danielle Herrington

SI Swimsuit 2018 cover star Danielle Herrington, 27, is back again for the 2021 issue.

But the Compton, California-born model is doing something a bit different this time around: She is proudly wearing her hair in braids, a protective hairstyle that has long faced racist backlash — and which she hasn’t been able to rock since she was a young teen.

Danielle has evolved into such a powerful woman and is taking ownership of how she wants to be represented,’ said MJ Day. 

‘For this year’s shoot she expressed to us her desire to wear her hair in braids. As an in-demand, constantly-working model, she hasn’t been able to do that since she was 13. 

‘We immediately said yes and she showed up on set as the most confident, vibrant and happiest version of herself! 

‘The industry often dictates how women can present themselves and we wanted to give Danielle a space to choose how she is represented.’

Number one! Kate Bock, 33, was the first 2021 Swimsuit Issue model to be revealed on Instagram at the beginning of the month

‘It was such a treat to feel like myself again, being back on a shoot, on set, and on location,’ she said

Jealous! The model, who is engaged to Kevin Love, also admitted that she doesn’t do much dieting ahead of a shoot

Kate Bock

Kate Bock, 33, was the first 2021 Swimsuit Issue model to be revealed on Instagram at the beginning of the month.

‘This unprecedented year has made me even more grateful for every opportunity in my life with @si_swimsuit right at the top of the list,’ she said on Instagram. ‘I’m dreaming from my apartment in sweatpants of being that girl on the beach right now.’

Speaking to People, Kate said that shooting in Miami this year was a special treat amidst the pandemic.

‘It was such a treat to feel like myself again, being back on a shoot, on set, and on location. We took every precaution and the shoot was great! Now I can’t wait for it to come out!’ she said. 

The model, who is engaged to Kevin Love, also admitted that she doesn’t do much dieting ahead of a shoot.

‘As a model, I sort of always want to feel good in my body, so nothing too significant happens when it’s swimsuit shoot time. I don’t always get much warning! I do my best to eat super clean, get a daily work out in, and drink as much water as possible going into a shoot!’ she said.

Meanwhile, MJ Day praised Kate’s ‘hard work, dedication, consistent dependability, and her desire to show up in any way she can.’ 

‘She’s a prolific collaborator and acts as a sounding board for us because of her longevity with the brand and her industry experience. 

‘Smart and savvy, Kate has parlayed her impeccable taste and business acumen into curating and collaborating with brands as an investor/equity partner and ambassador. After nine years, nothing brings me more joy than seeing Kate go from model to mogul in the making!’

What a pro! Danish model Josephine Skriver, 27, is another old hat at swimsuit modeling, and also the second Victoria’s Secret Angel to appear in the magazine

Designer fashion: Over the years, she’s walked the runway for Calvin Klein, Rag & Bone, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Yves Saint Lauren, and Prada 

‘It was an incredibly easy decision for us to work again with Josephine, SI Swimsuit’s Rookie of the Year in 2020,’ said MJ Day

Josephine Skriver

Danish model Josephine Skriver, 27, is another old hat at swimsuit modeling, and also the second Victoria’s Secret Angel to appear in the magazine.

Over the years, she’s walked the runway for Calvin Klein, Rag & Bone, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Yves Saint Lauren, and Prada.

Last year, she was the 2020 SI Swimsuit Rookie of the Year. 

‘It was an incredibly easy decision for us to work again with Josephine, SI Swimsuit’s Rookie of the Year in 2020,’ said MJ Day. 

‘Josephine inspires women, fiercely advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and carries herself like a true professional. 

‘On top of the fact that she can talk a serious football game as one of Raiders Nation’s most passionate superfans, she is a natural beauty with a heart of gold.’