Lauren Chan is Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s first out lesbian cover star
The 34-year-old Chinese Canadian model and entrepreneur is one of four individual cover stars for the magazine’s 2025 issue
Lauren Chan attends the 2021 ACE Awards
Ron Adar/Shutterstock
Words by Daniel Anderson
Chinese Canadian model, entrepreneur, and former fashion editor Lauren Chan has made history as the first out lesbian to receive a solo cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, which hit newsstands Tuesday. Chan, 34, is one of four individual cover stars for the magazine’s 2025 issue, joining actor and producer Salma Hayek Pinault, social media personality and former NCAA gymnast Olivia Dunne, and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles.
In an interview with PEOPLE Magazine, Chan said, “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. Then once I started my journey with Swimsuit, it has become a lot about LGBTQ folks and the AAPI community, because I believe I'm also the first Chinese person on the cover of Swimsuit. So although my career has taken different forms, the same North Star has been followed, and that is to represent people like me who have felt marginalized and left out to have them feel not just included but celebrated."
This year’s issue also highlights several rising API stars. Model and influencer Ming Lee Simmons, singer and actress Nazanin Mandi, and Cobra Kai actress and martial artist Rayna Vallandingham are featured as 2025 SI Swimsuit Rookies. Meanwhile, Olympic gold medalists Eileen Gu and Suni Lee appear in the Athletes category.
Published on May 14, 2025
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.