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Lauren Chan Becomes First Out Lesbian to Land Solo Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover

The 2025 edition of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit highlights Chan’s trailblazing role in LGBTQ+, size, and racial representation in fashion and media.

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Lauren Chan walks the runway at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show on June 1, 2024.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Model and Herring designer Lauren Chan wears a black blazer, black trousers, and black leather Loewe bag after the Jonathan Simkhai show on September 11, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Melodie Jeng/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Lauren Chan, a model and entrepreneur, is one of four solo cover stars for the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, making history as the first out lesbian to do so.
  • Chan’s cover shoot took place in Bermuda in March, featuring bridal-inspired themes reflecting her recent engagement to partner Hayley Kosan.
  • As a former Rookie in 2023, Chan was the first queer plus-size model featured in the magazine, continuing her advocacy for body positivity and inclusion.
  • Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor MJ Day praised Chan for challenging narrow beauty standards and promoting diversity in fashion.
  • Chan’s career spans modeling, founding the plus-size brand Henning, and advancing representation for LGBTQ+, AAPI, and marginalized communities.