It may have taken about half a century, but Cosmopolitan UK has ventured into unchartered territory in a historic first that is being viewed by many as a major victory for representation within the transgender community. 

Cosmopolitan UK recently announced that Munroe Bergdorf, would be their latest cover girl. The transgender model and activist has already graced the cover of British Vogue and is making the 50^th anniversary of the magazine in a stunning red dress that features Bergdorf with her hand on her hip and smiling. On her Instagram account, she wrote:

“I can’t believe I’m writing this. BEYOND excited to share that I am Cosmopolitan UK‘s cover girl for their 50th Anniversary Issue! I’m also the first transgender woman to ever feature on the cover in those 50 years of publication.”

Cosmopolitan UK Enters the Progressive Era

Aside from Bergdorf’s inclusion on the cover, Cosmo UK placed Jonathan Van Ness on the cover in January 2020, making him the first non-female person to be featured on the front page, as well as the first to be a nonbinary person. Quickly after Van Ness’ debut, RuPaul adorned the cover in January 2021. Actress Laverne Cox was the cover girl for Cosmo South Africa’s February 2018 issue. Already recognized as a spokesperson for the community, Bergdorf had this to say about what her making history would do for others following in her footsteps:

“I hope there’s a young trans girl look at this cover thinking ‘I can do it too and who I am is not going to hold me back.”

Bergdorf Goes Beyond Modeling

 Besides an already stellar modeling career, Bergdorf has dedicated her platform to being an advocate on several issues close to her heart, including trans rights, feminism, anti-racism, and mental health. In an op-ed for Grazia magazine, Bergdorf stressed the importance of feminism as an inclusive tool to empower all female identities and experiences. For the Women’s March, she stated, “For the day of the Women’s March to be truly progressive, it should focus on elevating the voices and experiences of those who are most often silenced and ignored in society.”

She has been vocal about how trans women are seen in the mainstream media, and as an afterthought in feminist movements, even though trans women are more likely to suffer from mental health, sexual abuse, unemployment, and homelessness. Bergdorf also deleted her Twitter account after excessive bullying and called out the platform, claiming it to be an unsafe space for transgender people. 

What do you think about Cosmo UK’s historic cover? Is it right on time or are they playing catch-up? Let HomoCulture know in the comments section below!