In A First Miss Universe 2023 Welcomes Transwoman Contestants

With the involvement of two amazing transwoman contenders, Marina Machete representing Miss Portugal and Rikkie Kollé representing Miss Netherlands, the 72nd Miss Universe competition, scheduled for 2023, is set to be a historic event. These extraordinary ladies are competing for the coveted Miss Universe title and have already made an unforgettable imprint on the pageant industry.

Marina Machete, Miss Portugal, has been candid about the difficulties she has encountered as a transgender person. She credits much of her success and resilience to her family's steadfast support. Marina emphasizes the triumph of love over ignorance in her path as a transwoman in a poignant video posted on the Portuguese pageant's official YouTube account.

Rikkie Kollé, Miss Netherlands, also shares a powerful story of endurance. When Miss Universe asked her to define herself, she picked the word "victory" to represent her own hardships as a transgender person.

Many people have been inspired by her path from overcoming difficulties as a young boy to becoming a strong and confident transwoman. Rikkie promotes togetherness and self-empowerment in a powerful video message, encouraging people not to give up on their aspirations.

Since 2012, the Miss Universe Organization has been devoted to diversity, allowing trans competitors to compete. They have gradually lifted limitations on candidates who are divorced, pregnant, or have children, embracing variety.

In the future, the organization intends to remove age restrictions in 2024, allowing adult women from all around the world to compete. This pledge demonstrates the organization's commitment to encouraging diversity and tolerance, making the Miss Universe competition more diverse and inclusive than ever before.