Model Munroe Bergdorf has become the first trans woman to be featured on the front of Cosmopolitan UK in its 50-year history.
Bergdorf was named as the publication’s Changemaker Of The Year, and graces the cover of the publication’s February / March 2022, 50th anniversary issue.
Sharing the news on social media, Bergdorf said she was “beyond excited” and thanked the publication for the honour.
“I’m also the first transgender woman to ever feature on the cover in those 50 years of publication,” she captioned the photo.
“Huge thank you to the Cosmo UK team for asking me to be part of this moment.”
As well as featuring in a glossy shoot, the star is interviewed by three campaigners to discuss race, gender and ‘femininity’. They were Aja Barber, a writer working on intersectionality of sustainability in fashion; Vic Parsons, who is gender and identity reporter at PinkNews; and River Gallo, filmmaker, actor, model and intersex rights activist.
Speaking about the cover, Bergdorf said: “Honestly, I haven’t fully processed it yet. When we were shooting, I had a moment when I was in a massive dress and thought, ‘Oh my god, this is happening.’ It fills me with joy and pride.”
She also gave some advice to others questioning their gender and their identity.
“The best advice I have is there’s no one way to be trans,” she said. “Gravitate towards what you feel, rather than what you feel you should do. You’ll find so much peace that way.
“When I began my transition, I felt pressure to assimilate into what society deems to be a woman. I wish someone had just told me, no matter how I dress, how I look, if I’ve got make-up on or if I don’t, I’m still a woman. In every single iteration of my being.”
Claire Hodgson, Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan UK, said of the cover shoot: “No one encapsulates what it means to be a Cosmopolitan cover star more than Munroe Bergdorf, and I’m thrilled we’re celebrating Cosmopolitan UK’s 50th anniversary with such an important trailblazer on our cover.
“Whether it be finding a fulfilling career that pays fairly, developing happy and healthy relationships, or fighting for equality and respect, the topics Cosmopolitan has long championed are just as important now as they were in 1972.
“Whatever their sexuality, gender identity or background, Cosmopolitan will continue to empower our audience to demand more from the world around them, challenge the status quo and advocate for a diverse and inclusive world, free form prejudice. It’s in our name, after all.”
