Transgender vogue legend and ballroom dancer Leiomy Maldonado is starring in Nike’s new #BeTrue campaign.
This is the sportswear company’s second commercial to feature a transgender person after having showcased athlete Chris Mossier last August. The spot is directed by Daisy Zhou and gives a nod to the ballroom scene in New York City. It also features a voiceover by Precious Angel Ramirez who asks, “What did you do to make a mark on this world? What mountains did you climb? Which angels gave you their wings?” Maldonado not only displays her dancing abilities, but also her athletic prowess.
Also known as the “Wonder Woman of Vogue” and “Amazon Mother,” Maldonado has been an active member of the queer ballroom scene in New York since the age of 15 and is the first-ever openly transgender woman to appear on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. Her signature moves have been adopted by artists such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears.
This is the second commercial to feature Maldonado this week. She also appeared in a spot in Klimpton Hotels‘ #LetsNeverStopDancing campaign.
Maldonado also found support from Actress Laverne Cox, who posted on Instagram saying, “the girls are doing big things, trans folks are stepping forward with talent, vision, and determination and I love you all.”
