Libyan American Noor Tagouri became first Muslim woman to appear in Playboy wearing hijab

Remember the name Noor Tagouri because this woman is about to be the first for a lot of awesome milestones in history. Her most recent accomplishment: becoming the first Muslim woman to appear in Playboy wearing a hijab. Not only did she look gorgeous while doing so— fully dressed from head to toe in a fringed leather jacket and well-worn Converse sneakers—but the 22-year-old was also dubbed one of Playboy’s Renegades of 2016 in the October issue.

She joins a select group of strong women, including sex activist Stoya and comedian Ali Wong, who are changing the way we think about the industries they are in, the magazine says: “They’ve risked it all—even their lives—to do what they love, showing us what can be accomplished if we break the rules.” But there is so much more to Tagouri than her appearance in Playboy.

The budding journalist wants to add another achievement to her list: becoming the first anchor on network television who wears a hijab. Yes, a hijabi anchor has never appeared on a major network. Currently, Tagouri is an on-air reporter for Newsy and a motivational speaker, so this goal doesn’t seem too far off.

Last year, she even gave a TEDx talk in Washington, D.C., about her journey so far. She shared stories of her experience as a first generation Libyan-American and how she confronted her identity crisis by choosing to wear a hijab. If you have 13 minutes to spare today, I highly recommend watching it. You’ll fully understand why Playboy considers Noor Tagouri a rebel.

Tagouri is no stranger to Internet attention. In 2012, she launched a viral social media campaign called #LetNoorShine to help raise awareness for her goal of becoming a hijabi anchor and to encourage others to embrace their individuality. Her fans have started sharing the hashtag again to support her Playboy cover against those who have criticized her decision to appear on the risqué magazine.

Today, Tagouri posted a response on her website defending her choice. “A fully clothed 22-year-old Muslim American Libyan Woman took an iconic magazine and used it to spread a positive and much needed message,” she wrote. “I did what so many women with inspiring messages of hope would have been uncomfortable doing because success for a woman is often predicated on what society deems appropriate for us to succeed in.” My inspiration quota for the day has officially been filled.