Miss Universe to feature two transgender contestants for first time: ‘Trans women are women, full stop’

Notably, Machete is the second transgender woman to win her country’s Miss Universe competition, following Rikkie Kolle, a Dutch model who clinched the Miss Netherlands title in July.

Machete, a 28-year-old trans woman, has worked as a professional flight attendant for the past five years.

In a video posted to the Portuguese pageant’s YouTube channel before the contest, she spoke about her journey, saying, “As a trans woman, I’ve been through many obstacles along the way, but fortunately, and especially with my family, love proved to be stronger than ignorance.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ms Portugal ® (@missportugaloficial) 

Rikkie Kolle, hailing from the city of Breda and of Dutch and Indigenous Moluccan descent, was born biologically male but is now a proud trans woman.

She aims to be a voice and role model for young women and queer individuals and use her platform to empower others in their fight against discrimination. Kolle expressed her determination by saying, “In the end, it’s about being able to become who you are without issues, and that can happen when YOU want it to.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rikkie Valerie Kollé (@rikkievaleriekolle) 

If either of these candidates win the crown, they will make history as the first transgender women to do so. Notably, the Miss Universe Organization revised its rules in 2012 to allow transgender contestants to participate, affirming that “trans women are women, full stop.”

Before Kolle and Machete, Angela Ponce made history as the pageant’s first transgender contestant when she represented Spain in 2018. The shift towards inclusivity in the Miss Universe competition aligns with evolving societal perspectives on gender identity and diversity.

Furthermore, the ownership of the Miss Universe Organization has recently changed hands. Anne Jakkapong Jakrajutatip, a Thai businesswoman and transgender advocate, acquired the organisation for $20 million, making her the first woman to own the pageant.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!