Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom is a transgender model, dancer, actor, and activist. Born in Chicago to a Filipina mother and an African American father, Bloom knew from a young age that she was a woman. Bloom faced a turbulent childhood and was raised by her father following her mother's deportation. Fortunately, he supported her decision to transition. A versatile dancer, Bloom is trained in ballet, lyrical, hip hop, jazz modern, tap, and vogue. She took her first dance classes in sixth grade, and performed on the American Ballet Theater stage with Misty Copeland by the age of 14. She received a full dance scholarship to the Chicago Academy for the Arts as a teenager, however, in spite of this early promise and opportunity, she chose to give up on a traditional path to pursue her authentic self. After dropping out of the Academy because the men's scholarship did not allow her to dance as a woman, she left Chicago and moved to New York City, where she faced homelessness. Bloom survived by working at a restaurant during the daytime. At night she earned cash prizes in the underground ballroom scene, voguing and serving face on the floors of vacant Harlem theaters and dance halls. In this world, she found acceptance and a safe space to be herself while competing with other queer youth. Her talent and beauty earned her status and recognition among her peers. Meanwhile her modeling career took off as transgender figures gained acceptance in the media. In October 2017, Bloom became the first openly trans woman of color to appear in Vogue India. In 2019, she then went on to become the first trans woman of color to lead a feature film at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival with her movie Port Authority which was executive produced by Martin Scorsese. She recently wrapped filming the feature Asking For It opposite Kiersey Clemons and Ezra Miller. From homelessness to the pages of Vogue, Leyna Bloom continues to embody the American dream through playing identity politics.