This trans model wants to make history by becoming a Victoria's Secret Angel
Models, led by transgender model Leyna Bloom, walk the runway for the Chromat Spring/Summer 2018 show during New York Fashion Week. (Getty Images)
Model Leyna Bloom knows the power of the people (on the internet), which is why she’s taking to social media in an attempt to make Victoria’s Secret more inclusive.
“Trying to be the 1st Trans model of color walk a #VictoriaSecret Fashion show. #transisbeautiful #LeynaBloom,” Bloom tweeted Monday, along with two portfolio-style photos. Her request has gotten more than 8,000 retweets and nearly 30,000 likes.
Trying to be the 1st Trans model of color walk a #VictoriaSecret Fashion show. #transisbeautiful #LeynaBloom pic.twitter.com/xkLW5W9YqO
— Leyna Bloom (@leynabloom) April 9, 2018
In a previous tweet, she called out the lack of diversity in Victoria’s Secret’s casting. “All these women of color in the VS fashion show that’s amazing right. But they still have way more white girls. It’s like every time they added a woman of color they added another white girl,” she said. “Next year they need to cast trans and curve models all colors not just Caucasians.”
All these women of color in the VS fashion show that's amazing right. But they still have way more white girls. It's like every time they added a woman of color they added another white girl. Next year they need to cast trans and curve models all colors not just Caucasians.
— Leyna Bloom (@leynabloom) November 21, 2017
Many weighed in on the post, with a majority of commenters urging the lingerie company to consider hiring Bloom. “Well if they don’t, it’s @VictoriasSecret loss,” wrote one fan. “i have seen an angel today,” wrote another.
Bloom threw her hat in the ring because she’s always wanted to work with the company. “It’s always been a dream for me, like so many others, not just trans — POC, all women, and some men even,” she tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “This is a platform that glorifies femininity. I always felt in my most natural state I am heavenly. For my trans sisters, regardless of color, this will be a moment for us all.”
Loving and living my best life
A post shared by Leyna Bloom (@leynabloom) on Apr 2, 2018 at 7:42am PDT
Bloom has been modeling professionally since 2014, including walking in runway shows for Chromat and the Blonds. Last year, she made history as the first trans person of color featured in Vogue India. “Work has been steady. There’s definitely been a gamble with other bigger brands to take on a trans model of color,” she admits. “I don’t know why it’s so hard for them to want to give us a shot. Then again, nothing happens overnight.”
A post shared by Leyna Bloom (@leynabloom) on Oct 12, 2017 at 10:37am PDT
However, she believes that if she is given the opportunity to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel, the brand “will have the power to set the tone, and that would be the biggest leap up to date. Can you imagine what that would do for our world?”
She adds, “We all have unique stories; we are just different, and we have every right to be. We just want to be represented, and maybe they will want to represent us too.”
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