Transgender Model Leyna Bloom Shared Her Reaction After Her Sports Illustrated Cover Was Debuted To The World

    "Many girls like us don’t have the chance to live our dreams, or to live long at all."

    Alex Gurley
    by Alex Gurley

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    Leyna Bloom is making history once again — this time as Sports Illustrated's first ever transgender cover star.

    Leyna smiles in an off the shoulder mint dress with tiny embroidered flowers
    Tasia Wells / Getty Images for The Trevor Project

    The model and actor made her debut alongside tennis superstar Naomi Osaka and rapper Megan Thee Stallion on the issue, which will be released later this week.

    "I’m am so happy, honored, and humbled to share that I’m the 1st trans woman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated!" Leyna wrote on her Instagram.

    Leyna poses in front of a TV screen with her cover on it
    Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

    She continued, "I have dreamt a million beautiful dreams, but for girls like me, most dreams are just fanciful hopes in a world that often erases and omits our history and even existence. This moment is so powerful because it allows me to live forever even after my physical form is gone."

    "This historical moment is important to #girlslikeus because it allows us to live and be seen. Many girls like us don’t have the chance to live our dreams, or to live long at all," Leyna wrote.

    She added, "I hope my cover empowers those, who are struggling to be seen, feel valued. Let me be a messenger guiding us to a future of respect and appreciation for all women in all forms and from all walks of life."

    Leyna also expressed that she wants to dedicate her cover to "all ballroom femme queens past, present, and future."

    She went on to thank the magazine and its team for "recognizing the importance of representation" and for taking a chance on her.

    "I truly believe everything we do and everyone we meet are put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents. We're all teachers, and if you are willing to pay attention to the lessons, trust your positive instincts, and not be afraid to take risks, the possibilities are infinite!" Leyna concluded.

    The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue hits newsstands on July 22.