In a year filled with triumph and success, Kim Petras, the Grammy-winning pop star, continues to ascend to new heights. From winning a Grammy for her sensational collaboration with Sam Smith to topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Petras has now achieved another remarkable milestone. She joins the prestigious ranks of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover models, standing alongside renowned personalities such as Martha Stewart, Megan Fox, and Brooks Nader. Notably, Petras becomes the second trans woman to grace the cover, following in the footsteps of Leyna Bloom, who adorned the 2021 issue.
The vibrant cover shoot showcases Petras in an array of stunning outfits, exuding confidence and style. From a captivating Barbiecore-inspired bright pink ensemble by Heavy Manners to an exquisite black long-sleeved suit from LILY & ROSE, adorned with gold beads and featuring a chest cut-out, Petras radiates an undeniable allure. Embracing her identity as a trans woman, Petras has become a beacon of inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community. As MJ Day, editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated, aptly describes her, Petras is a trailblazer who has navigated her own unique path to superstardom.
While openly acknowledging the queer and trans influences that have shaped her journey, Petras remains humble and focused on her craft. During her Grammys acceptance speech, she paid tribute to the late producer SOPHIE and other transgender legends who paved the way for her success. In a recent interview with Seth Meyers, Petras expressed gratitude to “the gays in Bushwick,” emphasizing the role they played in her rise to fame. However, in her Sports Illustrated cover story, she deflects attention from herself as a trailblazer within the LGBTQ+ community. Petras emphasizes that one’s accomplishments and actions matter more than gender or sexuality, offering a powerful message of inspiration and resilience.
Petras’s influence extends beyond her presence on magazine covers. With her eagerly awaited debut studio album, Feed the Beast, set to release on June 23, she continues to captivate audiences with her music. Unveiling the news on social media, Petras shared a captivating image featuring a sword propped against a large stone, hinting at the epic journey ahead. As fans eagerly await the album’s arrival, Petras’s artistry serves as a testament to her unwavering talent and dedication.
In a world where barriers are broken and the LGBTQ+ community finds strength in unity, Kim Petras shines as an emblem of empowerment. Through her achievements and unwavering spirit, she has become an icon, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their true selves and embrace the limitless possibilities life has to offer.