Yumi Nu Becomes the First Asian Plus-Size Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model
Yumi Nu has officially made history as the first plus-size Asian to model in the swimsuit edition for Sports Illustrated. Nu, who is of Japanese and Dutch descent, shared an emotional message with her followers about this incredible honor. Nu speaks on inclusivity, body image, and the importance of having the representation her childhood self needed growing up.
Yumi Nu took to Twitter to reveal her feelings behind the historic photo shoot. Nu writes, “It makes me emotional that I get the opportunity to be the representation my childhood self needed.” For Asian women, representations of a plus-size or curvy body type are a rarity in society. Nu is redefining how much of the world views Asian women. As a young Asian woman, Nu felt she could have used a woman to look up to that is curvy like her, but as she gets older, she is more than happy to fill these shoes. She is proud to be embracing her body and encourages all women to do the same.
Officially the first Asian Plus Size Sports Illustrated Model. 🤧🥺 it makes me emotional that I get the opportunity to be the representation my childhood self needed. @SI_Swimsuit pic.twitter.com/kLbOp8BZ8P
— Yumi Nu (@_yumi_nu) March 19, 2021
Nu feels proud to be featured in a magazine that aims to be inclusive by showcasing women’s bodies. As Nu makes history, Sports Illustrated has continued to make strides with diversity. Valentina Sampaio, the first open transgender model, appeared in the magazine in 2020. MJ Day, the editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated, shared in a statement about Nu, “She doesn’t hold herself to any traditional beauty standards and is gracefully unapologetic for seeing herself as a powerful, beautiful, sensual woman. She shows up for women in a strong way and is on a mission to end the conversation around limiting women in the industry.”
In an exclusive interview with People, Nu expressed, “Our society’s view of Asians in the model minority myth lens has silenced us for many years. In this time of anti-Asian violence, it’s so important now more than ever for Asian people to be heard and supported.” This is a powerful message, proving that Nu will continue to fearlessly advocate for the rights of Asian women and women that feel their voices do not matter.
“i am proud to be asian, we belong here.” – sandra oh pic.twitter.com/8vIvhBG0pD
— jade (@cristinasoh) March 21, 2021
Yumi Nu is an extraordinary model looking to shine her light everywhere she pleases. Be sure to get a copy of her stunning swimsuit magazine cover by heading to Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition. For more updates on Nu’s modeling journey follow her on Instagram.
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