Transgender model Kim Petras stirs controversy as Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover star.

Sports Illustrated faced backlash for featuring transgender female pop star Kim Petras as one of its cover models for the Swimsuit Edition. Petras joined other cover models for this year's magazine, including Martha Stewart, Megan Fox, and Brooks Nader. While SI Swimsuit Editor-in-Chief MJ Day praised Petras as a "beacon of inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community," some criticized the decision. This comes as Bud Light also faces backlash for using transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney as a spokesperson.