Model hopes to be first ‘trans model of colour’ to walk in Victoria’s Secret show
The model's tweet has gone viral online
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A model has set out her ambitions to be the first transgender woman to walk in the Victoria’s Secret show.
Leyna Bloom made her dreams clear in a recent tweet alongside two snaps of herself wearing a black bikini, writing: “Trying to be the 1st trans model of colour walk a #VictoriaSecret Fashion show. #transisbeautiful #LeynaBloom”.
The 27-year-old’s tweet quickly went viral, garnering more than 106,000 likes and 32,200 retweets.
The annual lingerie fashion show has been running for 23 years and has never cast a transgender woman of colour in its exclusive lineup, that last year starred Bella Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio.
Were Bloom to be included, it would mark a historic moment for the brand that is perennially scrutinised in the media for its homogenised show cast, which primarily consists of whippet-thin and impossibly-toned women.
Fans praised the Chicago-based model for aspiring to diversify the show, urging the US lingerie brand to take note.
“You are sooo beautiful!! @VictoriasSecret, make it happen,” one wrote.
“While I don't care for Victoria's Secret, you absolutely deserve to walk! Any woman deserves to walk and feel good and confident about herself,” another added.
Bloom has been modelling professionally since 2014 and has walked the catwalk for New York-based labels Chromat and the Blonds.
It’s not the first time that the young beauty has taken a swipe at Victoria’s Secret.
In November 2017 Bloom criticised the brand for having “way more white girls” than any other race in its lineup, despite being praised by other outlets as the most diverse show yet.
"It's like every time they added a woman of colour they added another white girl,” she wrote.
“Next year they need to cast trans and curve models all colours not just Caucasians."
Speaking to Yahoo, Bloom said walking in the runway show has always been a dream of hers.
“This is a platform that glorifies femininity,” she said.
“I always felt in my most natural state I am heavenly.
“For my trans sisters, regardless of colour, this will be a moment for us all.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments