5 Extraordinary Photos of Cover Model Kim Petras in Los Angeles

The pop star made history by landing one of four covers in the 2023 SI Swimsuit issue.

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by Natalia Fedner. Earrings by Alexis Bittar. Necklace by Logan Hollowell.Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

German-born pop star Kim Petras made history earlier this year by becoming the first transgender woman to win a Grammy Award for best pop duo/group performance. Now she continues her history-making streak by becoming the second transgender woman to be featured as a cover model for SI Swimsuit. 

“I feel so happy when I hear from trans people in general that they’re inspired by me,” Petras told SI. “I think what you do is the most important thing. I always try to remember that everything I do is definitely not about being transgender—it’s a part of me, but there’s so many other parts of me and I think that’s really important for me to show to people. No matter what your gender or sexuality or any of that stuff is, it’s about what you make of life and it’s about what’s inside of you.”

View Kim Petras’s full 2023 photo gallery here.

For Petras, her life revolves around the notes of a song. Growing up in a musical family, Petras knew from a start music was her passion and at 19 left her small town in Germany and headed straight for Los Angeles to pursue her career. Fast forward to the present day, the singer-songwriter is now a part of a historical win.

“I don’t think anything could have prepared me and I don’t think I’ll ever really have that feeling again," Petras said. "It was completely incredible."

Now shifting gears from her historic win, the 30-year-old pop star is now working on new music. With her upcoming album set to release with Republic Records and a new track with Nicki Minaj, Petras is also open to new opportunities and growing personally.

“My biggest strength is that I know who I am, and I can push s--- for other people,” Petras told SI. “I feel proud and happy; it means being accepted by people, and that’s f—ing beautiful.” 

Below are five of our favorite photos from her 2023 cover photo shoot in Los Angeles.

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by Natalia Fedner. Earrings by Alexis Bittar. Necklace by Logan Hollowell.

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by LILY&ROSE. Earring by Jennifer Meyer.

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by Heavy Manners. Earrings by Alexis Bittar.

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Top by PatBO. Swimsuit bottom by Frankies Bikinis x Sydney Sweeney. Earrings by Alexis Bittar. Ring by Sophie Buhai.

Kim Petras was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by BANANHOT. Earrings and bracelets by Alexis Bittar.

Get ready for the hottest event of the year! The 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue is out now, and you won’t want to miss the Swimsuit Issue Launch Party. Secure your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable weekend of glamour, beauty and fun.

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