Lauren Chan (she/her) is a prominent Canadian figure known for her roles as a model and
advocate for size inclusivity and 2SLGBTQ+ representation.

In 2023, Chan made history as the first queer, plus-size model in the Sports Illustrated
Swimsuit issue. Within the issue, she wrote a personal essay about coming out, divorcing her
ex-husband, and starting anew. The moment garnered the attention of the world, with a total
of 20 billion global press impressions to date. It also landed her on lists like Toronto Life’s 50
Most Influential Canadians alongside Drake, Simu Liu, and Celine Song as well as Marie
Claire’s Power List alongside Michelle Obama, Kris Jenner, and Kim Petras.

Chan has since transitioned into television, advocating for greater 2SLGBTQ+ visibility,
appearing on shows like the Social, eTalk, and Canada’s Drag Race as a guest host; Breakfast
Television, CityLine, and Good Morning America as a contributor; and The Traitors Canada as
a contestant.

Her work has earned her accolades such as the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards 2023
Model of the Year and Welcome to Chinatown’s 2024 Champion Award, but it was the
American Society of Magazine Editors who highlighted Chan best when they awarded her a
coveted NEXT Award and described her as a “one-woman, multi-media age force for change.”