Valentina Sampaio by Josie Clough, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2020

Transgender woman, Brazilian beauty Valentina Sampaio is a 2020 Rookie in the new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine, on newsstands July 21. One of 8 Rookies, Valentina is photographed by Josie Clouth on Scrub Island in the British Virgin Islands.

“I was filled with so many emotions of happiness when I heard the news,” Valentina Sampaio told People. “The feeling was surreal. Being in SI Swim has always been on my bucket list of things to achieve in my career. It’s a dream come true on so many levels. SI has been a deeply meaningful achievement. To come from a space of fear and marginalization, to now being included in one of the most iconic magazines that truly embraces and celebrates diversity—it is life changing.”

She calls being included in the issue a "major milestone" in achieving a key item on her personal bucket list of career achievements. Equally important, Sampaio knows that it’s a step forward for the entire LGBTQ+ community.

"As a community, each personal success is a step forward for all. I am very grateful to God and all whom have helped me along my journey so far," she explains. "I honor the challenges of those who have paved the way for me directly or indirectly. They have made where I am today possible. I am committed to keep growing and push boundaries, so that I can in some way, pave the path for others. We are here, we always have been here and we always will be."

Sports Illustrated has been a cultural barometer on America’s changing view of women and female sexuality. Tyra Banks was the first Black model to grace its cover in 1997. Ashley Graham became the first full-figured model in 2016. Last summer 2918, Halima Aden became the first featured model to wear a hijab.

Valentina Sampaio has written a shot thought piece about her being chosen a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2000 rookie.

“I was born trans in a remote, humble fishing village in northern Brazil. Brazil is a beautiful country, but it also hosts the highest number of violent crimes and murders against the trans community in the world—three times that of the U.S.”
“We face snickers, insults, fearful reactions and physical violations just for existing. Our options for growing up in a loving and accepting family, having a fruitful experience at school or finding dignified work are unimaginably limited and challenging. I recognize that I am one of the fortunate ones, and my intention is to honor that as best I can.”

Valentina Sampaio by Josie Clouth on Scrub Island for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2020

Brazil Is Trans Women Murder Capital of the World; Mexico Follows

AOC reports that a survey of trans deaths counted 124 cases of murder in Brazil in 2019. Sickening is the additional reality that 80% of victims showed signs of torture. Police identified suspects in only 8% of Brazil’s trans murders.

According to the survey, murders in Brazil in 2019 declined from 179 cases in 2017 and 163 in 2018. This good news is quickly diminished as assault against trans people skyrocketed 800 percent. 80 percent of victims of transphobia in 2019 were black and 97.7 were trans women.

Concerns are mounting that violence against trans women in Brazil will increase in the presidential administration and re-election run of Jair Bolsonaro.

Some cases included in the Antra report were actually of travestis who were murdered while their killers shouted “Bolsonaro.” Similar cases were also reported during the 2018 presidential race, when politically-motivated crimes surged.

Reading Valentina Sampaio’s Instagram page, it’s clear that her trans activism is deeply embedded in her everyday life.

MJ Day, Editor of the ‘SI Swim Issue’, explained that the magazine aims to highlight “inspiring, interesting and multi-dimensional” women, adding that Valentina had been on their radar for a while. “We are deeply moved that Valentina was willing to put her trust in us and we didn’t think twice about wanting to amplify her voice, her message and give her a platform to advocate from on behalf of her personal aspirations and the trans community,” Day continued in a statement provided to the press. “That is what we can do as a brand, especially during these uncertain times — support her and celebrate her.”

See more of Valentina Sampaio @ AOC. We will add more swim photos to this article as they appear.

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