Staff Reports
Marina Machete, a 28-year-old flight attendant, has made history by becoming the first trans woman to win the Miss Portugal pageant. This is a groundbreaking achievement for the LGBTQ+ community and a step forward in promoting inclusivity and diversity in beauty pageants. Machete’s win means that she will be competing alongside other contestants for the title of Miss Universe, which will take place on November 18 in El Salvador.
Transgender Miss Portugal and Miss Netherlands poised to compete for Miss Universe https://t.co/bvZb2G39Ua
DETAILS: https://t.co/bvZb2G39Ua
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 9, 2023
It is important to note that Machete is not the first trans woman to compete in Miss Universe. In 2018, Angela Ponce made history as the first openly transgender contestant to compete for the title, representing Spain. However, this does not diminish the significance of Machete’s win as it further breaks down barriers and challenges traditional gender norms.
It is commendable to see how the Miss Universe pageant has evolved and become more inclusive over the years. Former President Donald Trump, during his ownership of the pageant in 2012, allowed transgender beauty queen Jenna Talackova to compete in Miss Universe Canada. This demonstrates a shift towards recognizing and celebrating the diversity of women.
While some beauty pageants, such as Miss Italy, still hold strict criteria that only allows cisgender women to participate, the Miss Universe organization has embraced inclusivity under the new ownership of Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, a transgender rights advocate. This change in ownership presents an opportunity for the competition to evolve and bring it to “the next level” in terms of promoting diversity.
Overall, Machete’s win is a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusion and acceptance. It serves as a reminder that beauty comes in all forms and that transgender individuals should be celebrated for their accomplishments. It is a positive step forward in breaking down societal barriers and promoting equality for all.
