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Model hopes to become first trans model of color for Victoria’s Secret runway

Leyna Bloom has called out the fashion line for its lack of diversity

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Leyna Bloom (Photo via Instagram)

Transgender model Leyna Bloom is campaigning to become the first transgender model of color to walk in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

Bloom took to Twitter to share that she’s ready to make history for the line.

“Trying to be the 1st Trans model of color walk a #VictoriaSecret Fashion show. #transisbeautiful #LeynaBloom,” Bloom captioned two photos of herself in a bikini. The tweet has received more than 30,000 retweets and more than 95,000 likes.

Since the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show kicked off in 1995 there hasn’t been a transgender model featured in the show.

In an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, Bloom explained that becoming a Victoria’s Secret model would be monumental for her and the transgender community.

“It’s always been a dream for me, like so many others, not just trans — POC, all women, and some men even,” Bloom says. “This is a platform that glorifies femininity. I always felt in my most natural state I am heavenly. For my trans sisters, regardless of color, this will be a moment for us all.”

Bloom has also been critical of the Victoria’s Secret fashion show for its lack of racial diversity.

“All these women of color in the VS fashion show that’s amazing right. But they still have way more white girls. It’s like every time they added a woman of color they added another white girl. Next year they need to cast trans and curve models all colors not just Caucasians,” Bloom tweeted in November 2017.

Bloom has walked the runway for fashion label Chromat and was the first openly transgender woman of color to appear in Vogue India.

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Durand Bernarr headlines program

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Durand Bernarr performs at the 2026 DC Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, May 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball

Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride

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The 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Schackelford)

The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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D.C.-area productions honored at Theatre Washington’s annual ceremony

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The 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Theatre Washington’s 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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