Meet Canadian model Lauren Chan, Sports Illustrated's latest rookie: 'Icon'

A Canadian model is making history with her new debut as the new 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie, and fans are loving it.

Lauren Chan was announced as the magazine's new rookie earlier this week, with a vulnerable first-person story on getting divorced and coming out as gay in her 30s.

"Atop the list of things I never thought I’d do, in escalating order: be in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, be gay and come out to the world in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit," Chan wrote in Sports Illustrated.

"But Taylor Swift is single again, so: I’m here! I’m a lesbian! And I’m telling you right now!"

Chan took to Instagram to share the news and teased more photos from Sports Illustrated.

"Thank you for joining me in this celebration!," she wrote.

The model, who touts herself as "size-inclusive," received an outpour of support from her followers.

"Hell ya!!! So happy for you and what a way to announce this," wrote one Instagram user.

Another said they "love everything about this!"

Some even thanked her for representing queerness and inclusive sizing in the modeling industry.

"This is so incredibly brave — you are an inspiration Lauren!! Very proud of all your accomplishments!," one person chimed in.

Other models and industry peers also welcomed Chan's news — including fellow model and advocate for size-inclusive fashion Iskra Lawrence.

"And yet it was all meant to be... so happy for you," Lawrence wrote.

Canadian body-positivity advocate Sarah Nicole Landry also expressed her happiness for Chan, adding "this is amazing."

Chan is Sports Illustrated magazine's first queer size-inclusive rookie.

From Ontario to NYC

The model grew up in Brantford, in southwestern Ontario.

In 2012, she graduated from University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, before moving to New York City, where she was signed with Ford Models as a plus-size model. She also worked as a fashion writer.

After thriving as a writer and fashion editor for several years, Chan left that work to start her own brand of size-inclusive clothing in 2018. The brand Henning focused on professional clothing in sizes 12 to 24 and a slow-fashion business model.

Chan announced last week her company had been acquired by Universal Standard, a large U.S.-based clothing brand that boasts inclusivity.

"I never want to hear anyone say that plus-size fashion isn't a viable business ever again," Chan said in that Instagram announcement.

Chan is also a jury member for the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards and an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association.

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