Valentina Sampaio: Victoria’s Secret’s First Trans Model Makes History
by Trista Wang
Victoria’s Secret (famous for its glittering runways and iconic “angel” wings) hasn’t always had the smoothest runway when it comes to diversity.
But in 2019, the brand took a bold step: Brazilian model and actress Valentina Sampaio became the first openly transgender woman to star in a Victoria’s Secret campaign.
From Fishing Village to Fashion Icon
Born in a small fishing village in northeastern Brazil, Valentina Sampaio’s journey to the global stage reads like the kind of story you wish every little LGBTQ+ kid could hear. She started modeling in her teens, pushing past the fashion world’s narrow mold of beauty and the societal noise that tried to tell her “no.”
Her debut with Victoria’s Secret’s PINK line in 2019 wasn’t just a personal win — it cracked open the door for greater trans visibility in mainstream fashion. And Sampaio herself said it best when she celebrated the moment on Instagram:
“Never stop dreaming, people. Life is amazing. Want more, hate less. Hate is useless, so don’t waste your time with it.”
It didn't take long for the love to pour in from fellow models and LGBTQ+ icons. Laverne Cox, a trailblazer for trans representation, commented, “Wow, it was time!” while Brazilian model Lais Ribeiro cheered, “The first trans woman photographed for Victoria’s Secret! It makes me very happy!"
A Turning Point for Victoria’s Secret
Sampaio’s breakthrough came at a time when Victoria’s Secret was under fire for its lack of inclusivity and controversial comments from former executives.In 2018, then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek dismissed the idea of hiring trans or plus-size models, claiming, “The show is a fantasy.” After public backlash, Razek stepped down, and the brand began to reconsider its image and values.
The 2024 return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a new era, with Sampaio and Consani front and center, joined by a more diverse cast than ever before.
The company stated its renewed commitment to “delivering glamour, runway, fashion, fun, wings, and entertainment—all through a powerful, modern lens reflecting who we are today.”
More Than a Runway Moment
Valentina Sampaio’s milestones aren’t just about runway firsts—they’re about cracking the foundation of an industry that for too long slammed the door shut on anyone outside its narrow beauty standards.
“Being a trans woman often means facing a closed door to people’s hearts and minds. So working with Victoria’s Secret meant everything to me.”
Her story is proof that representation isn’t just about showing up... it’s about showing out, shining bright, and being celebrated for exactly who you are. And while the industry still has work to do, Sampaio’s wings aren’t just for show. They’re helping lift a whole new generation higher.
Praise kink is when kind words and encouragement during sex turn you on. As a woman who has explored this, I’ve found it can feel surprisingly intimate and powerful. In this guide, I talk about what praise kink feels like in real life, share natural phrases many women enjoy, and show how to combine it with toys like the SVAKOM Klitty and DuoGlow.
Automatic suction masturbators have become increasingly popular among men looking for hands-free stimulation. But what do they actually feel like, and how do you choose the right one?Since then, I’ve spoken to quite a few people who had a similar reaction — many of them now say it’s become one of their favorite ways to enjoy solo pleasure.
In this guide, I share what I’ve learned about blowjob machines: what they actually feel like, how to choose one that suits your body, and how to use them safely and enjoyably. I also recommend the SVAKOM Sam Neo 2 and Sam Neo 2 Pro for their strong yet controllable suction, deep vibration, and thoughtful features like app control and heating.
For years, period sex has been surrounded by myths, stigma, and uncertainty. Many people grow up hearing that sex during menstruation is messy, embarrassing, or something to avoid altogether.
Many men want to last longer during sex. A cock ring is one of the simplest and most effective tools to help maintain a stronger erection and delay ejaculation. In this guide, I’ll explain how cock rings work, how to use them safely, and how to get the best results.
A clitoral orgasm is often the most reliable and intense type of orgasm for many people with vulvas. In this guide, I explain what a clitoral orgasm actually feels like, why most people need clitoral stimulation to orgasm, and how to explore it safely and pleasurably. We’ll also touch on how it compares to vaginal orgasms.
It’s summer. It’s hot. It’s beach time. And it might just be the hottest season of the year, in all kinds of ways. But how do we turn those fantasies into real-life adventures?
Two different scenarios: either you’re curious but don’t know where to start, or your partner has asked about it. Let’s analyse both. If you’re curious and have never tried getting to this point, well, this guide is for you.
Male squirting remains one of the least understood yet highly discussed topics in male sexual health. Unlike a typical penile orgasm that ends with ejaculation, male squirting involves the release of clear prostatic fluid and delivers deep, warm, full-body waves of pleasure. This guide explains the science, the core physiological differences from regular ejaculation, and provides a safe, step-by-step approach — plus how SVAKOM prostate toys make the experience easier and more pleasurable.
Thinking about sexting? You’re in the right place. We know, sending spicy messages can be even scarier than flirting face to face. You don’t see their reaction in real time, so you have no clue what they are thinking. However, if done right, flirting through text can become an incredibly attractive skill.
