Valentina Samanthapaio reveals that she was fired from the set because she was transgender and came to an understanding about her place within the modeling industry.

Sampaio, a Brazilian model and actress, talked to Amanda de Cadenet about her early career. Sampaio, is now a member the VS Collective along with stars such as Megan Rapinoe and Naomi Osaka . She explained to de Cadenet how it was initially difficult to find work as a model.

She explained that even though people wanted to work alongside me, they were afraid of hiring trans women. “I was faced with fear and ignorance.

Sampaio recalls, “It was traumatizing to be fired and humiliated that day on set. But it was also what ignited the fire in me to overcome my personal pain.” It made me see past myself. It made me realize that I needed to shed light on trans people and create opportunities for them. Shortly thereafter, I was cast as a character in a Rio film. This creative opportunity inspired me to model and moved to San Paolo. My career took off after that movie. I was asked to be on the cover of French Vogue.

Sampaio previously spoke out on behalf of trans rights using her platform. The interview was conducted by HollywoodLife October 2021. Sampaio stated that trans youth need support and love, but are instead being targeted with harmful measures. It is important that we unite around ways to support trans youth, and not make their lives harder. Trans youth should see me and other women on photo shoots and runways, and realize the beauty and uniqueness of being trans. They should see our film to find trans joy in a time when so many cruel and unnecessary laws are being passed.