Leina Bloom talks about the first black and Asian trans woman in SI Swimsuit & Movie ‘Port Authority’ – CBS Chicago

(CBS Local) – Actor and model Leina Bloom has come a long way since her days in Chicago. The actor and model was the first Asian trans and black woman to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, as well as the first trans-female color to be nominated for a feature film at the Cannes Film Festival.

DJ Cixsmith DJ Sixsmith met with Bloom to discuss his new film “Port Authority,” his recollections of growing up in Wind City and his inspiration from Chicago native Dwayne Wade on how to raise a transgender girl.

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“The most interesting part of the Port administration shooting was the moments before the operation,” Said Bloom said. “We went through the script and made sure everything was right and the lighting was good. Magic before magic is where the magic is. These are the moments you cherish the most because those moments you don’t see in the movie. ”

“Port Authority” will be available in selected theaters on Friday, May 28th, and will be available with digital and demand from June 1st. The film is about a man named Paul who drives him out of his Pennsylvania home and goes to New York, where he meets a transgender woman of color named Vai and from there begins an interesting love story. Bloom intends to use his art to influence the next generation.

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“When you hear the word trance and see a black woman, you can be confused. I wanted to humanize this mess if you have anything, ”Bloom said. “I wanted them to be available. That was my goal by reviving this character. I wanted her to feel like your sister or your best friend or someone to laugh with. I was born in time to receive such a thing. When I called the SI Swimsuit Edition, I knew my life would change and I knew it would change my life for many people like me. We can really have that moment. ”

When Bloom grew up in Chicago, he worked at places like Starbucks, McDonald’s and Gap. She trusts her father to make her the person she is today. Speaking of fathers, Bloom is actually encouraged by the Chicago-born model Dwayne Wade’s upbringing of a transgender girl.

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“I see a lot of black men to see their children who are different, trans and heroic, like Magic Johnson empowers with their child,” said Bloom. “I think this is my child and I love and support them. I want them to be happy in life. ”