Lauren Chan makes history as first out lesbian on Sports Illustrated cover

NEW YORK (WKRC) - Lauren Chan has made history as the first out lesbian to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.

It's a milestone that left her overwhelmed with emotion. "I'm the first out lesbian on the cover — with her own cover — and how much that means to me makes that surprise feel so overwhelming," Chan told PEOPLE.

Chan was also the first lesbian plus-size model for the brand in 2023. "My whole career has been based on representation and inclusion, first for folks of size with my time as a plus-size model and fashion editor and plus-size brand founder," she said. "Then once I started my journey with Swimsuit, it has become a lot about LGBTQ folks and the AAPI community."

Chan's cover photo features her in a green Cult Gaia bikini and Alexis Bittar jewelry. Her shoot was in Bermuda.

Chan reflected on her personal journey.

"Over the past few years, I've healed my body image in ways that I couldn't have imagined before coming out because I've been able to ditch the male gaze."

"I hope that sharing that makes anyone else who might be in the same position feel that way too."

Additional cover stars for the 2025 issue include Salma Hayek, Jordan Chiles, and Livvy Dunne. The magazine will be available on newsstands on May 17.