Leyna Bloom Reflects on 2021 SI Swimsuit Issue Cover: ‘This Moment Still Gives Me Chills’

The model returns to the annual magazine for her third consecutive year.

Leyna Bloom.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Leyna Bloom made history two years ago as the first-ever transgender woman to appear on the cover of the SI Swimsuit Issue. She was photographed by Yu Tsai in Tampa, Fla., that year and has returned to the fold each year since.

The 30-year-old model reflected on her monumental cover girl moment in a sweet Instagram post on Thursday. She shared a carousel of photos, including an image of herself holding the 2021 SI Swimsuit Issue while grinning from ear to ear and snaps posing on the red carpet with editor in chief MJ Day and one-time SI Swimsuit model Megan Thee Stallion.

“When you do the work, you earn your spot,” Bloom wrote in her caption.

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A post shared by Leyna Bloom (@leynabloom)

She went on to add that, “[A lot of] people doubted me and still do. But If you have a strong message and that message outshines all hate. Your moment is so heavenly on time. This moment still gives me chills. I was made for this, thank you again to my SI family for still believing in me. Love you all, see you all very soon.”

After landing the cover her rookie year with the magazine, Bloom returned to the annual publication last year after traveling to Belize, where she again posed for Yu Tsai. For this year’s 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, she was photographed in Dominica. Take a sneak peek behind the scenes here.

Get ready for the hottest event of the year! The 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss the Swimsuit Issue Launch Party. Secure your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable weekend of glamour, beauty and fun.

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