Lauren Chan is making headlines as the first out lesbian model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, marking a major milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility and body inclusivity in fashion media.
The Asian and Middle Eastern plus-size model joins a prestigious lineup of 2025 cover stars, including actress Salma Hayek Pinault, gymnast Jordan Chiles, and college athlete Olivia Dunne.
For Chan, this cover isn’t just another modeling achievement, it’s a deeply personal and symbolic moment. “My whole career has been based on representation and inclusion,” she told People magazine. “Although my career has taken different forms, the same North Star has been followed, and that is to represent people like me who have felt marginalized and left out to have them feel not just included but celebrated.”
Chan has long been a trailblazer in fashion. She is the founder of Henning, a plus-size clothing brand dedicated to offering stylish, high-quality garments for professional women. Before launching her brand, she served as a fashion editor and was recognised for her efforts to challenge traditional beauty standards in the industry.
Her appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated as the first out lesbian model is even more meaningful as it coincides with her recent engagement to longtime partner Hayley Kosan. Chan shared the joyful news with fans earlier this year on Instagram, celebrating both love and visibility.
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“I started my coming out journey with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2023 and I couldn’t be happier to be talking to you today, newly engaged,” she shared with Sports Illustrated. “In the face of continued political and cultural attack, it remains important for the LGBTQ+ community to share our joy and humanity. Love is love and I’m very proud to be representing that within such a culture-shaping publication.”
By boldly living her truth and continuing to create space for others, Lauren Chan is not only changing the face of fashion but also empowering a new generation to see themselves reflected in it. This year’s Sports Illustrated issue is more than just a celebration of beauty; it’s a testament to progress, inclusion, and the power of authentic storytelling.
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