Victoria’s Secret is said to have finally hired its first transgender model!
Less than a year after Ed Razek, Chief Marketing Officer of L Brands (the parent company of VS), told Vogue he wouldn’t hire any trans people to walk the runway, Valentina Sampaio has announced her big gig!
Related: Victoria’s Secret Photographer Accused Of Misconduct By Several Women
The Brazilian stunner took to Instagram just a few days ago on Thursday, sharing a behind-the-scenes pic of herself from a supposed Victoria’s Secret Pink campaign shoot!
The 22-year-old captioned her photo, writing:
“Backstage click @vspink??”
She also used some telling hashtags:
“#bastidores #new #vspink #campaign #representatividade #diversity #beauty #selfie #model #life #fashion #usa #vstorm #valentinasampaio #bomdia”
About time Victoria’s Secret had some diversity!
Following her cute bathrobe post, Valentina shared a sultry IG selfie video, too (below):
And posted a pic of her smiling and looking happy on a recent vacay, sharing:
_
A vida é incrível… Ame mais e odeie menos, o ódio é inútil. Não perca tempo!?✨
#lovemore #blessed #groundbreaking #unitedindiversity #peaceandlove #respect #life #transcender #weareone ?” / (c) Valentina Sampaio/Instagram
Her manager Erio Zanon gushed about the model’s “amazing and groundbreaking” news. He Told E! News:
“She is super happy and proud to represent all her community. She hopes this opportunity shall be another step to break barriers.”
As we mentioned above, one very important exec at the company dished trans people can’t be a fantasy:
“Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy. It’s a 42-minute entertainment special.”
He also seemed to think since “no one had any interest in it” when they pursued doing a plus-size show in 2000, things should stay the same 18 years later.
Razek’s transphobic and completely non body positive remark about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show came to the dismay of many, despite an “apology”!
Rihanna and Kendall Jenner appeared to throw support for those speaking out against his comments with their Instagram moves. The songstress liked one post shaming VS while praising her Savage x Fenty show, while the model went on the social media platform with a graphic on her Story reading “Celebrate Trans Women,” to stand for individuals including Caitlyn Jenner, who opened up about her transition in 2015.
Now, Valentina has the support of Laverne Cox and Victoria’s Secret Angel, Lais Ribiero. They both commented on Sampaio’s new posts, with the actress sharing, “Wow finally!,” and the model posting the hand clapping emoji!
While it doesn’t seem like the lingerie company will be throwing their annual fashion show this year, as Shanina Shaik hinted the company might be working on “branding,” this is still a huge move for them and the young model!
Any thoughts, Perezcious readers??
[Image via Valentina Sampaio/Instagram]
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