In an unprecedented milestone for the Miss Universe competition, this year's event will showcase a historic moment with at least two transgender contestants. The groundbreaking news follows the victory of 23-year-old flight attendant Marina Machete, who secured the Miss Portugal title last week, setting the stage for the 72nd Miss Universe competition scheduled for November. This marks the first time in history that two transgender individuals have clinched their respective national Miss Universe titles. Dutch model Rikkie Kolle earned the distinction earlier this year by winning the Miss Netherlands crown, becoming the first transgender woman to do so.
The 72nd Miss Universe competition is set to unfold in El Salvador, featuring 90 contestants from across the globe who will vie for the prestigious Miss Universe crown. The reigning Miss Universe, R'Bonney Gabriel, will pass the crown to her successor. Should Marina Machete or Rikkie Kolle emerge victorious in the competition, they will make history by becoming the first transgender women to don the Miss Universe crown. It's worth noting that in 2018, Spain's Ángela Ponce made history as the first transgender contestant in the pageant, although she did not advance to the finals.
Both Marina and Rikkie have utilized their platforms to advocate for inclusivity in beauty pageants. In a video shared on the Portuguese pageant's YouTube channel ahead of the Miss Portugal competition, Marina Machete conveyed, "As a transwoman, I've encountered numerous obstacles on my journey, but, fortunately, and especially with the support of my family, love has proven more powerful than ignorance."
Similarly, Rikkie shared a video message before her pageant, stating, "Miss Universe asked us to describe ourselves in one word. The word I'm choosing is 'victory' because, as a young boy, I overcame every challenge that crossed my path. Look at me now, standing here as a strong, empowering, and confident trans woman."
Notably, the Miss Universe Organization underwent a transformation in 2022 when Thai media tycoon and transgender rights advocate Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip acquired it. Anne, who openly discusses her experiences as a transgender woman, has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity within the pageant. In addition to welcoming transgender contestants, the Miss Universe Organization has extended participation to married individuals, divorced women, pregnant women, and mothers. In a move scheduled for 2024, the age limit, which presently restricts entry to those aged 28 and under, will be removed, further advancing the pageant's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
