Kim Petras, a renowned transgender model and musician, is set to make history as the cover star of Sports Illustrated’s 2018 edition, according to an announcement made by the magazine on Monday.
The 30-year-old artist will become the second transgender individual to grace the cover, following in the footsteps of Leyna Bloom who achieved this milestone in 2021.
Petras, who has been eagerly anticipating the release of her new record, “Feed the Beast,” expressed her excitement about simultaneously being featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
This year’s swimwear issue also showcases prominent figures such as Megan Fox, Martha Stewart, and Brooks Nader. Stewart, at 81 years old, holds the distinction of being the oldest swimsuit model ever featured by SI.
Sports Illustrated has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to embracing diversity within its swimsuit editions, challenging conventional beauty standards and including individuals who identify as transgender.
However, this has not been without controversy. Petras and non-binary artist Sam Smith’s Grammy performance of their hit song “Unholy” generated substantial criticism due to its perceived demonic and sexualized nature.
In response to the backlash, Petras defended the provocative performance, explaining that their message and identity had been unfairly labeled as religiously unacceptable. As a transgender person, Petras already felt excluded from traditional religious contexts, further reinforcing the need to express themselves freely.
SI Swimsuit Editor-in-Chief MJ Day, praising Petras as a “beacon of inspiration” for the LGBTQIA+ community, discussed the shoot in an interview. Day revealed that this year’s edition did not have a specific theme but embodied a vision and hope that women could exist in a world devoid of external and internal limitations.
Amid the excitement surrounding the magazine’s announcement, a Twitter user raised concerns about biological men taking over roles historically held by women and questioned the absence of feminist voices that have fought for such opportunities for decades. In response, Petras emphasized her desire for people to recognize the awesomeness of Sports Illustrated and appreciate her appearance in the magazine.
Kim Petras’ upcoming Sports Illustrated cover marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and challenging societal norms. As the transgender community gains more visibility and recognition, it opens up avenues for dialogue and acceptance, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive future.
