Leyna Bloom, a stunning model and actress, has been capturing attention since the beginning of her career in the early 2010s. As a prominent trans figure in the industry, Leyna has made it her mission to advocate for herself and her community. Recently, she made history as the first trans woman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. This achievement would have been unthinkable a decade ago. As Leyna continues to break barriers in her career, let’s explore 10 intriguing facts about her that you might not know.
1. Chicago Roots
Born and raised in Chicago to a Black American father and Filipino mother, Leyna was brought up by her father after her mother was deported. As a teenager, she took a leap of faith and moved to New York City to pursue a career in the entertainment industry – a risk that has certainly paid off.
2. A Multitalented Performer
While Leyna is best known for her modeling work, she has also ventured into acting. In 2019, she made her professional acting debut in the film Port Authority. Since then, she has made several on-screen appearances, and we can expect to see her in more acting roles in the future.
3. High School Dropout
Leyna’s teenage years were far from ordinary. In an interview with Coming Soon, she revealed that she dropped out of high school because the resources available to her in Chicago were detrimental to her lifestyle. It’s unclear whether she later earned her diploma or GED.
4. Ballroom Royalty
Before achieving mainstream success, Leyna was a star in the LGBTQ+ community due to her involvement in the ballroom scene. In an interview with Chromat, she shared that she began participating in balls and walking in them at the age of 16, competing in the Face category (the most beautiful).
5. A Strong Bond with Her Father
Many LGBTQ+ individuals face rejection from friends and family, but Leyna has been fortunate to have a supportive father. They share a close relationship, and he has always encouraged her in her pursuits.
6. Unfazed by Nerves
While many in the entertainment industry admit to experiencing nervousness, Leyna is an exception. In her conversation with Chromat, she confidently stated, “I never get nervous. I show up and show out.”
7. A Beacon of Inspiration
Leyna’s hard work and determination have made her a role model for many, particularly those in the trans community. She hopes to continue using her platform to inspire and empower others while shedding light on important issues.
8. A Gifted Dancer
In addition to modeling and acting, Leyna is an accomplished dancer. She has trained in ballet, hip-hop, tap, and modern dance. While living in Chicago, she was part of the Joffrey Ballet, where she was paid to dance for the summer. It’s unclear whether she still dances today.
9. A Passion for Helping Others
It’s hard to imagine Leyna doing anything other than entertaining, but if she hadn’t pursued a career in the industry, she has a clear vision of her alternative path. She told Chromat, “If I wasn’t working in the entertainment industry, I would probably be working with teenagers, helping them find themselves and guiding them on the path of self-love. Preparing them for the real world to be strong forces to be reckoned with, helping them to be better leaders for tomorrow.”
10. Overcoming Homelessness
Leyna’s life has had its share of challenges, including a period of homelessness when she was younger. However, she has never let adversity hold her back for long, and her resilience continues to inspire those around her.
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