Sports Illustrated model and trans activist Valentina Sampaio on the importance of self-care

One of seven children, 23-year-old Valentina Sampaio was born to a family of fishermen and lacemakers in a small fishing village in northern Brazil. Making history as the first trans woman to be featured in Sports Illustrated was not something she had planned—yet here we are. And it’s not even the first time she’s set such a significant precedent. In 2017 she was the first trans model to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris, while in 2019 she was the first trans woman to join the Victoria’s Secret family. “Every first is precious because it’s a step forward, not just for me but for the entire trans community,” she says over email.

While trans visibility in fashion has become part of the cultural conversation, globally we still have a long way to go, not just in terms of representation but also in terms of the trans people’s safety and even their rights. “I come from a country that has the highest LGBTQ+ and transgender murder rate—and it is rising,” she says. “Forbes reported that in 2019, 331 trans people were killed worldwide—130 of those were here in Brazil. Those who killed have faced little or no consequence for their crimes. We are treated as if we are disposable.” As a result, Sampaio is committed to using her platform to amplify those in her community. In June, she joined Barack Obama and Taylor Swift at Pride Live’s annual Stonewall Day, a virtual event that raised awareness and support for the Stonewall legacy. Fresh from the launch of her Sports Illustrated cover, we caught up with the model about the importance of self-care and her hopes for the future.

How did you get into modelling?

“While I was studying at university in Fortaleza to be a fashion designer, everyone would ask me if I was a model. So I decided to try it, and from there came the first job opportunities as a model. I began with photoshoots and then moved on to the runway, before working internationally.”

How would you describe your modelling experience?

“It hasn’t been easy. Early on, I had a high-profile modelling job where, once they realised I was trans, I was suddenly fired. To share the excitement and pride of a job with friends and family, only to then be shamed and rejected is heartbreaking. From that moment on I decided that whatever I would do in life, I would do it not just for myself, but for all people who face discrimination.”

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

“There have been moments when my simple existence has been called ‘a sin’. Being born trans and living from my essence has met cruel judgement, criticism and insults. Basic things like my right to dress as a woman, attend university and work have been stressful challenges for me. Being trans often means facing a closed door to people’s hearts. It often means facing family rejection, traumatising bullying at school and very limited, dignified professional opportunities.”

You’ve made history as the first trans model to grace the cover of Vogue Paris and you’re now featured in Sports Illustrated. What does that mean to you?

“I realise I have been very fortunate and am profoundly grateful. I also think it is extremely important to share positive milestones and victories. If anything I say or do can plant a seed of love, acceptance or hope in another person in any small way, then I have used my platform for the good of all people.”

What should the beauty and fashion industry be doing to improve representation of LGBTQ+ communities?

“I would love to see people, brands and companies being more open to fearlessly embracing the trans community with compassion and respect; to educate people and have more resources for the LGBTQ+ community.”

What do you do for self-care? How do you keep yourself mentally and physically healthy?

“For me, self-care carries a very personal and profound meaning: caring for my body, mind and soul. True self-care goes beyond what we can do for our physical bodies. At the core of it is a real sense of love and respect for ourselves, as well as others. We are all physically unique, yet all united in a common desire to be accepted and loved as we are.”

What are your favourite beauty and skincare tips?

“Use sunscreen every day, [use] hyaluronic serum, drink a lot of water, eat healthily and exercise. I think yoga is a very healthy practice to keep your body and mind focused.”

What does beauty mean to you?

“Beauty is something that transcends your body. It comes from the soul, when you accept and love yourself, when you know your worth. However, we still live in a society that imposes ‘standards’ and stereotypes, labelling people as ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.”

What are your hopes for the future?

“I wish for the world to be filled with more love. For there to be more unity and kindness among us so that people can be free to be themselves, without judgement.”

Also read:

"Skin is not good or bad; it’s not a point of conversation": Decoding the skin neutrality movement

7 things you should should be doing to take care of yourself during the COVID-19 lockdown

Valentina Sampaio makes history as Sports Illustrated’s first trans model