Hari Nef, Kristen Stewart, Amandla Stenberg and Zayn Malik appear on Elle UK 'Rebel edition'

The magazine's forthcoming September issue examines activism and LGBTQI issues in interviews with rising cultural icons

Transgender model and actress Hari Nef (Getty Images)

The transgender model Hari Nef has been chosen as one of four influencers to star on the cover of Elle UK’s revamped September issue.

Elle’s 'Rise of the Rebel' edition focuses on activism, sexuality, transgender visibility and LGBTQI issues in a series of interviews. In one of five covers, Kristen Stewart discusses her relationship with her girlfriend Alicia Cargile. In another, Amandla Stenberg speaks about her activism, gender identity and decision to come out as bisexual. Zayn Malik appears on a fourth cover.

Nef was signed to IMG models in May 2015, making history by becoming the first openly transgender woman to be signed to the agency. Aside from a burgeoning modelling career, Nef is also an actor, prominent activist and an advocate for the National Center for Transgender Equality.

“I think my greatest accomplishment is my continued will to live authentically,” she told Interview magazine in March. “If you are trans and/or gender nonconforming, your (way of) life persists as a question in frequent need of answering. To answer the question with love and confidence—over and over—is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Trans is tough, but it’s beautiful.”

Stewart’s cover comes after the actress famously addressed speculation over her sexuality last year by telling an interviewer: “Google me - I’m not hiding.”