Canadian Model Lauren Chan Makes ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’ History

The Ontario-born model is making queer history as the swimsuit edition’s first out lesbian cover star…

When Brantford, Ontario’s Lauren Chan was posing on a Bermuda beach this past March, she would never have guessed her third appearance in the magazine would be historic.

Chan has become the first out lesbian to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. She was surprised by publication in Brooklyn, where she was left speechless. “I was genuinely surprised. My first thought was, ‘It’s really happening,’” she told the publication. “…something that’s so special about being part of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is that it allows you to live in the spirit of hope and possibility.” 

She went on to tell the publication about the importance of seeing oneself in media and the pride she carries with this honour. “When I was growing up, I didn’t know I was queer because there was next to no representation, and it was often not positive or it was so singular,” she explained. “I feel like the specialness of this moment is taking a space that someone like me wouldn’t have been represented [in] before…”

Chan is one of four models who received a solo cover in the 2025 issue, which also saw Salma Hayek Pinault, Olivia Dunne and Jordan Chiles. She was photographed by Ben Watts, wearing a Cult Gaia bikini with accessories by Alexis Bittar.

Chan’s relationship with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit dates back to 2023. She was the first plus-size, queer model to earn the publication’s “Rookie” title, women featured in the magazine for the first time as franchise models, along with a touching essay that discussed her journey coming out in her 30s. 

So who is Lauren Chan? Here are eight facts about the cover model. 

1. She’s engaged to Hayley Kosan, whose Instagram bio reads “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Husband of the year 2025.” 
2. She is an advocate for size inclusion, the 2SLGBTQI+ community, mental health and women’s entrepreneurship. 
3. She’s a Faithful! Chan appeared on the second season of The Traitors Canada where was banished. You may also recognize her from her appearance as a guest judge on Canada’s Drag Race.
4. She founded the luxury clothing brand Henning, acquired by Universal Standard, which specializes in fashion for sizes 12-26. 
5. She had many dreams growing up wanting to be a marine biologist, dentist, lawyer, WNBA player or fashion designer. 
6. She started playing basketball at age five and almost made the Canadian junior national team. Complications from an appendix rupture ended her basketball dreams. 
7. She went to Western University in London, Ontario where her interest in fashion evolved. 
8. She was a fashion editor at Glamour, owned by Condé Nast Publications which also publishes Vogue. Chan recalls running into Anna Wintour in the hallways of the office.