Miss Universe 2023: Two Transgender Contestants To Compete In The Pageant For The First Time Ever

The trans community has gained acceptance and visibility in our society over the years. With this shift towards an inclusive, equal world new doors are opening for the community. One of the most hailed moves was by the Miss Universe Organisation hosting the Miss Universe Pageant which allowed the participation of transgender women in the year 2012.

This year, once again, Miss Universe is all set to create history as two transgender contestants will be participating in the competition this year.

Two Transgender Contestants To Compete At Miss Universe 2023

During the 72nd Miss Universe competition this year, Marina Machete and Rikkie Kolle will be seen competing along with other contestants.

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Marina Machete And Rikkie Valerie Kolle

A few weeks ago, Marina Machete became the first transgender woman to win Miss Portugal. The 28-year-old Machete is a flight attendant by profession. Rikki Valerie Kolle was crowned Miss Netherlands this year in July, the very first trans woman to bag the title. 

Marina and Rikkie will be the only transgender contestants among the 90 other contestants competing for Miss Universe on November 18 in El Salvador. While there are two other qualifying beauty pageants happening in China and Mongolia, there is no update on whether there will be more trans contestants joining this year. 

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Even though we are all headed to an inclusive world, there is still a long way to go. A lot of beauty pageants even today don't allow participation from the transgender community. This year, over 100 transgender men participated in the Miss Italy pageant.

Well, with the increased visibility of the trans community in beauty pageants, we certainly have a glimmer of hope for an inclusive world ahead.