Valentina Sampaio: Victoria’s Secret’s First Trans Model Makes History

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.

As Sampaio told PEOPLE:

“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.