24-Year-Old Model Accomplishes Her Dream Of Becoming Victoria’s Secret’s First Model With Down Syndrome

That was my thought exactly. She doesn't look like a typical person with Downs syndrome and isn't very representative of them. But then again, other models aren't very representative of the general population either, even the "plus size" ones

WHAT it's a token gesture, is she not downs syndrome enough for you? That's ridiculous

Also, would they pick a woman who looks exactly like this but doesn't have down syndrome?

Yes, it smells a lot like woke washing. I thought the same about the rather mild form of Downs, her body which complies with traditional beauty standards, etc. Happy for her that she made it, but it looks a lot like a publicity stunt and this will be forgotten next year.

Ok guys, an opportunity to educate yourselves. people in the Down Syndrome community prefer person-first language and we do not like the term “Downs”. Secondly, she does absolutely look like she has DS. People with DS look like their family members with some characteristics of Down Syndrome (I.e. the almond shaped eyes, brushfield spots in the eyes, shorter legs/arms, shorter stature overall, a missing nasal bone, etc.) not all people with DS have all of these characteristics. This does not mean it’s a less “severe” form of DS, because there is no such thing. You either have an extra 21st chromosome or you do not. Abilities (physical and cognitive) range just as much in the DS population as they do in the neurotypical population. We are incredibly proud of Sofia and the representation she brings to the DS community.

I mean... They do that to literally all models.

Her natural photos look so much better. The model ones look uncanny valley

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Life matters! So glad she is doing well.

👏👏👏

Have any of her photos actually been used for marketing? I seriously doubt they will use the images in store displays or in advertising, but I could be wrong.

Please note you can just say disabled instead of “special needs” (or other cringy terms like “differently abled”, “handicapable” etc). Using euphemism suggests that there’s something wrong with disability, when it’s just one of many normal ways of being a human. Those other terms originate from non-disabled people who have discomfort with disability. Using the word disabled is appropriate and preferred. (Ps. Not commenting here to criticize you specifically. You seem kind and thoughtful, which is why I think you and others who want to support disabled people would want to know this)

She’s a model. They do it to all of them

Rosa Parks was just ONE black women on the bus.

ONE person who is doing more with their life than you ever will sitting on your a**e and making stupid comment.s

Why is it shitty? Just because you don't care for it, doesn't mean that the Sofia doesn't see it as a huge achievement. I am in no way a fan of Victoria Secrets, however, people with Down Syndrome are often infantilized and depicted as permanent children in media. The world of modeling has an looooooong way to go in terms of diversity, however, for people like Sofia it may be a huge achievement and goal to see themselves represented and seen as beautiful.

How is it exploitation when she lives modeling and her family supports her? Sounds like you're the one with a problem.