For The First Time Ever, A Trans Woman Covers Cosmopolitan South Africa

Cosmopolitan makes history with #SayYesToLove issue.

For The First Time Ever, A Trans Woman Covers Cosmopolitan South Africa

Orange Is The New Black actress Laverne Cox is the cover girl for Cosmopolitan South Africa's February issue. This makes her the first transgender woman on the magazine's cover, or any other mainstream South African magazine.


The issue's masthead contains rainbow colors, and its cover line is #SayYesToLove. It features prominent LGBTQI+ South African artists and personalities. Look out for interviews with the likes of Elle van Der Berg, Desire Marea, Faka, K-$, Sydney Davy, Glow Mammii and Angel-Ho.

These interviews are accompanied by striking portraits captured by the Cape Town-based photographer Niquita Bento.

The issue has been received positively so far, with many commending the magazine for the progressive step towards inclusivity and representation, which mainstream media seems to either struggle with or just not prioritize at all.

Model Elle van Der Berg tweeted, "This means so much to me because not only is this a gateway to representation, but also a clear reminder that #TransIsBeautiful."

Way to go, Cosmo. Hopefully, this is the first of many.

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