Transgender Victoria Secret's model Valentina Sampaio responds to critics after VS runway debut

Valentina Sampaio, the first openly transgender model to walk the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway, made a historic debut at the revamped event in Brooklyn, New York. 

Alongside fellow transgender model Alex Consani, Sampaio broke barriers at the prestigious lingerie show, marking the first time transgender women have ever been featured. 

However, the decision to include transgender models wasn’t without controversy, as some fans expressed backlash.

Despite the criticism, Sampaio expressed her joy at achieving a long-held dream. "It was a dream come true, one that so many people told me would be impossible for me to ever realize and I just did," she told TMZ. 

"It makes me feel seen, accepted, and valued for who I am as a person, as a professional."

Sampaio, who has previously made history with Victoria's Secret in 2019 as their first transgender Angel, emphasized the importance of her presence on the runway. 

"It’s collectively a step forward in celebrating the rights of my community, to live and work with dignity."

The Brazilian model, who started identifying as a woman at the age of 12, has been a trailblazer in the fashion world. 

She became the first transgender person to appear on the cover of 'Vogue Paris' and has worked with renowned brands like Marc Jacobs Beauty, Dior Beauty, and H&M. "We are here. We always have been here. And we always will be here," Sampaio confidently stated.

The show, which returned after a six-year hiatus, also featured legendary models like Tyra Banks, Gigi Hadid, and Alessandra Ambrosio. 

The inclusion of curvier models such as Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser demonstrated the brand’s commitment to showcasing diversity in size, shape, and representation.