2 Transgender Contestants in Miss Universe Pageant
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
5:16 PM – Monday, October 9, 2023
Marina Machete, one of two transgender contestants who recently won their home country’s national pageants, became the first transgender person to win Miss Portugal last week, making Machete eligible to compete for Miss Universe later this year.
Machete, 28, who reportedly works as a flight attendant, thanked fans for the influx of “positive and empowering” comments since being crowned on Thursday.
“To all of you watching, I just want to say that, just like the universe, your possibilities in life are limitless,” she said in a video on Instagram. “So don’t limit yourself to any dream that you have.”
The contestant expressed that they are looking forward to meeting the other delegates at the 72nd Miss Universe competition in November in El Salvador.
Rikkie Valerie Kolle, 22, who is also transgender, was named Miss Netherlands back in July.
“Yes, I’m trans and I want to share my story but I’m also Rikkie and that’s what matters to me,” Kolle wrote in an Instagram post. “I did this on my own strength and enjoyed every moment.”
Among the 90 biological women competing for the title on November 18th, Machete and Kolle appear to be the only transgender candidates, so far. Before the Miss Universe pageant next month, there are two additional qualifying competitions in China and Mongolia.
In 2012, Miss Universe began allowing biological men who identify as transgender women to participate, and in 2018, after winning Miss Spain, Angela Ponce became the first transgender woman to do so.
Kataluna Enriquez, who won Miss Nevada in 2021, became the first transgender woman to compete in the Miss USA pageant, although Enriquez did not go on to compete in the Miss Universe competition that year.
However, not all national pageants have been as welcoming to transgenders.
Patrizia Mirigliani, the official pageant organizer for Miss Italy, said that her country’s national beauty competition would not permit any biological men to compete in the fight for the crown.
In October 2022, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) was purchased for $20 million by Thai media mogul Anne Jakkapong Jakrajutatip, who is also a transgender woman, making Jakrajutatip the first transgender owner of the competition.
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The first transgender woman to win Miss Nevada USA. These milestones have sparked discussions and progress towards inclusivity and representation in beauty pageants. With this context in mind, here are three PAA (Predict, Analyze, Ask) questions related to the topic:
In recent years, the inclusion and representation of transgender individuals in beauty pageants has become a topic of discussion and progress. Two transgender contestants, Marina Machete and Rikkie Valerie Kolle, have recently won their respective national pageants, marking significant milestones in the journey towards inclusivity and acceptance.
Marina Machete, 28, who reportedly works as a flight attendant, made history by becoming the first transgender person to win Miss Portugal. Her victory not only celebrates her own achievements but also opens the doors for transgender individuals to compete on the global stage. As the winner of Miss Portugal, Machete is now eligible to compete for Miss Universe later this year.
Machete expressed her gratitude towards her fans for the overwhelming support and positive feedback she has received since her crowning. On Instagram, she thanked her followers for their encouraging comments, which she described as empowering and inspiring. In a video message, Machete emphasized that the possibilities in life are limitless and encouraged others to pursue their dreams without constraints.
Similarly, Rikkie Valerie Kolle, 22, became a trailblazer when she was crowned Miss Netherlands back in July. In an Instagram post, Kolle proudly declared her transgender identity, emphasizing that while she is willing to share her story, she is also an individual with her own unique qualities and strengths. Kolle’s journey to become Miss Netherlands was a testament to her personal growth and resilience.
As the only transgender candidates among the 90 biological women competing for the Miss Universe title on November 18th, Machete and Kolle represent the increasing diversity in beauty pageants. The inclusion of transgender contestants not only promotes equality but also celebrates their individuality and provides visibility for the transgender community.
The Miss Universe competition has gradually opened its doors to transgender women in recent years. In 2012, the organization began allowing biological men who identify as transgender women to participate. In 2018, Angela Ponce made history as the first transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe after winning Miss Spain. Kataluna Enriquez also broke barriers by becoming
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