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Lauren Chan Breaks Barriers in Sports Illustrated Cover and Sends a Bold Message

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Lauren Chan became the first openly lesbian woman to grace the cover of the renowned Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, marking a significant milestone in its history.

She once again commanded attention in dove grey shorts with a matching loose, long sleeved coverup.

At the debut of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Social Club, it was the message written on her white tank top that caught everyone’s eye.

‘Only Respecting Women You’re Attracted To Isn’t Respecting Women,’ the t-shirt said.

34-year-old Canadian model could possibly be addressing the critics, including those who are negatively commenting about Sports Illustrated for featuring her on the 2021 Swimsuit Issue cover.

Despite the widespread acclaim for Lauren on the Sports Illustrated cover, symbolizing progress in diversity and inclusivity, there were some who raised voices of dissent, focusing on her sexual orientation and swimsuit size.

However, it’s important for someone to let those trolls know that Lauren, aged 34, is not just a swimsuit model; she has so much more to offer.

She created an inclusive clothing line called Henning and sold it for a profit. 

Apart from that, Lauren previously worked as a fashion columnist who eventually climbed up the ladder to assume the role of Fashion Features Editor at Glamour.

Among the four ladies featured on this year’s cover are Lauren, alongside Salma Hayek, gymnast Jordan Chiles, and university athlete Olivia Dunne.

Chan expressed to People that she is the first openly lesbian individual gracing the cover, having a cover dedicated solely to her, and this significance leaves her astonished with an overpowering sense of surprise.

‘That’s where I feel like the tears of joy and celebration and relief and community come from.’

A multitude of supporters hastened to send their well-wishes, whereas some expressed puzzlement as to why her sexuality became a topic, remarking, “Who has the right to inquire about someone’s intimate life?” or “In this day and age, it seems people have more important things to focus on.” (2025)

Chan responded on social media following a critical remark about a picture she posted, showing her on a Bermudan beach wearing a light lace swimsuit set.

She shared a snapshot of the comment made by Instagram user Caiser Hogan, which read, ‘For whom are they still doing this now? Women? I don’t understand at all.’ (Informal)

Chan didn’t mince words. In her post, she declared, “That’s why I’m here, proud and unapologetic.

She also mentioned that the purpose of the magazine is geared towards empowering women, providing them with a platform for representation and inspiration, rather than serving as a catalog designed to objectify them for the benefit of male dominators.

In a second slide, she cheekily added, ‘wait ’til he finds out I’m a lesbian.’

In the caption, Chan clarified that the remark resonated with her personally, and she chose to keep it visible for all to notice.

In her writing, she expressed that the presence of ourselves, as well as those who advocate for underrepresented groups, within the SI Swimsuit edition symbolizes a progressive shift in societal acceptance of diverse women and those who are worthy of admiration.

‘This person is implying that my being a size 14, Asian, Middle Eastern, a lesbian, and so on, makes me unappealing to them specifically. They seem to suggest that such qualities would prevent any man from finding me suitable for inclusion in this publication, apparently due to traditional male beauty standards.’

Chan further clarified that the magazine aims to reshape the concept of beauty from a feminine perspective, ensuring that every woman feels represented within its content.

‘It is not an outdated, objectifying catalogue of fantasy for patriarchal pawns. 

If their responses make men feel dismissed and upset to the point of acting immaturely in the comments, I have no qualms about openly and permanently addressing the matter, she stated.

As I conclude my thoughts, I wholeheartedly endorse the mission of this magazine, a belief I hold deeply. To me, SI Swimsuit 2025 represents empowerment and inclusivity for every girl.

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2025-05-19 18:09

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