Miss Universe Welcomes Trans Contestants for the First Time
This year's Miss Universe pageant is making history by featuring two trans contestants for the first time.
Rikkie Kolle, the first trans woman to win Miss Netherlands, will be joined by Marina Machete, the newly crowned Miss Portugal.
In a video posted by the Portuguese pageant, Marina Machete spoke about the importance of trans rights as part of her platform.
She highlighted the alarming levels of "transphobia and intolerance" worldwide and praised the Miss Universe Organization for being inclusive and breaking boundaries.
The Miss Universe Organization changed its rules in 2012 to allow trans contestants, and they are proud to celebrate trans women as women.
If either Rikkie Kolle or Marina Machete wins, they will become the first trans woman to wear the Miss Universe tiara.
Over the past decade, Miss Universe has been evolving to embrace diversity and inclusivity.
They lifted the ban on transgender contestants after a legal battle and have since welcomed contestants from various backgrounds.
Both Rikkie Kolle and Marina Machete have used their platforms to promote a more inclusive vision of beauty pageants.
They encourage others to feel inspired and confident in being their true selves.
The Miss Universe pageant, which has been running since 1952, will see nearly 90 women from around the world competing for the crown.
This year's pageant is a testament to the progress made in the beauty industry towards greater representation and acceptance.
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