ESPOUSING diversity and representation, the 72nd Miss Universe pageant welcomed two transgender women, two mothers and a plus-size model for the first time.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) changed its rules to allow transgender contestants in 2012. As of writing, it remains to be the only major international pageant that accepts trans women candidates. In 2018, Miss Spain Angela Ponce became the first trans candidate in the competition.
In October 2022, Thai transgender entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip bought the MUO from International Management Group for $20 million. She promised that under her direction, the pageant will have the “transformational leadership in order to enhance the organization’s long-standing heritage.”
Under Jakrajutatip’s ownership, the Miss Universe contest allowed mothers, married women and divorcees to compete. Previously, only single women, aged between 18 to 28, who “must not have ever been married, not had a marriage annulled, nor given birth to or parented a child” were allowed to compete.
“Now, women are able to have families, they’re able to have a job, they’re able to be a spokesperson. We should not be the ones to say, ‘You can’t do this,’” Paula Shugart, former MUO president, said about their decision.
In recent years, there have also been calls for the global pageant to become more body-inclusive.
Year of firsts
Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios won the title of Miss Universe 2023, capping off a year of firsts for the competition. The 23-year-old mental-health activist and audiovisual producer is the first woman from Nicaragua to win the crown at the Nov. 19 pageant held in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo and Emmy award-winning TV personality Jeannie Mai Jenkins hosted the competition with television presenter Maria Menounos, marking the first time the pageant has had an exclusively all-female hosting team. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and and “American Ninja Warrior” co-host and actress Zuri Hall served as backstage commentators for the coronation night.
The first married delegates with children
In August, Michelle Cohn became the first married woman with children to win the Miss Universe Guatemala crown, as well as the first mother confirmed to compete in the 2023 pageant. The 28-year-old beauty queen is married to Andres Mathieu, whom she shares two children with – son Luca and daughter Bella.
According to her biography on the pageant’s Instagram page, the model, founder of a brand and entrepreneur initiated a swimwear brand in 2016 and is dedicated to fostering equal opportunity by employing deaf women. “I’m most proud of being the first mother elected to represent my country at Miss Universe, breaking stereotypes and promoting women’s empowerment,” her bio reads.
Prior to joining Miss Universe, Cohn also previously represented Guatemala in the Miss Grand International 2013 pageant.
In September, Camila Avella was crowned Miss Universe Colombia – the first married candidate to win the title.
Following her coronation in her national pageant, Avella thanked her husband Nassif Kamle and two-year-old daughter Amelia who transformed her into the woman she’s “meant to be.” “Without them, and without the teachings that leave me each day to day, none of this would be possible, nor would it be the woman I am today,” she wrote on Instagram.
She also spoke on the importance of allowing mothers to continue with their lives on social media, as she stressed that women can fulfill “all the roles (they) have in life and be successful” no matter where they come from.
Following Cohn, the model and TV presenter is the second delegate in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant who has a child.
“Amelia, my daughter, is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” she wrote on Instagram. “With her was born in me the desire to achieve the best version of myself. I want to show the universe how capable we women are and be an example and inspiration that being a mother does not limit us to working. To fulfill our purposes, we can play in all the roles we have in life and be successful in each of them.”
Avella, 28, competed for the Miss Colombia title in 2018 but didn’t make the cut. After the Miss Universe organizers announced that mothers and married women could compete, she decided to try again as a wife and mother.
A journalist and model, she works to uplift young mothers by providing them with resources, including financial management and mental-health training.
The first trans women candidates
Rikkie Valerie Kollé is the first transgender Miss Netherlands. The 22-year-old beat nine other finalists to secure the title. In a Voices for Change campaign video, Kollé – who competed on “Holland’s Next Top Model” – passionately advocates for equality and denounces bullying, which she said she faced due to her gender identity.
Marina Machete, 28, is a flight attendant who won the 2023 Miss Portugal competition in October, making her the first transgender contestant in her country to do so.
Her bio says she is passionate about equity and inclusion. “I’m most proud of the challenges I overcame with courage and strength, leading me to develop humanity and kindness towards others in my life.”
Both Kollé and Machete use their social media platforms to spread messages of encouragement and support to the global transgender community.
The inclusion of transgender contestants not only adds a new chapter to the Miss Universe legacy but also contributes to a broader celebration of diversity and empowerment. The stories of Kollé and Machete exemplify resilience and inspire others around the world.
Miss Nepal is the first body-inclusive contestant
For centuries, the ideal for women has been believed to be tall and leggy without a spot of flab in sight. That has been the female standard in media, appearance-led professions as well as in daily life. Fortunately, 2023 is toppling that, starting with the Miss Universe 2023 pageant. Inclusivity was the core of this year’s contest as it witnessed delegates from all over the world, of various gender identities, statuses and sizes. Amongst them all, it was Miss Nepal 2023 Jane Dipika Garrett that broke new ground.
The stunning pageant queen, who is also a nurse and entrepreneur, is the contest’s very first plus-size participant – something pageant delegates said is long overdue – and recently emerged as one of the fan favorites during the preliminary competition. Garrett, 22, caught the fancy of the world when she took the global stage during the swimsuit round. She strutted gloriously wearing a metallic green swimsuit with a plunging neckline, ruched waist and halter straps. Accessorizing the outfit were strap heels and oversized hoop earrings which she paired with coral toned makeup and her hair in full waves.
It’s a first-of-its-kind move for the Miss Universe 2023 pageant and a huge step for diversity in all shapes and sizes. Garrett has changed the face of inclusivity at the pageant level, one round at a time.
Pushing for body positivity, Garrett told Hola! magazine that her foray into the competition is a bid to “represent all women” while breaking “outdated stereotypes of beauty” in pageantry. “As a curvy woman who doesn’t follow certain beauty standards, I’m here to represent all women. I think there’s not one way to be beautiful, every woman is beautiful just as they are,” she was quoted as saying.
She advocates for mental and hormonal health after experiencing depression caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts), according to her Voices of Change campaign video.
“I am a determined, resilient and genuine woman who embraces her true essence and nature without fear,” her bio reads. “My life experiences have molded me into the strong, bold and courageous woman I am today.”
In a November Instagram post, she wrote: “It’s time to celebrate the different changes in women’s bodies and embrace all our shapes and sizes.”
The first Miss Pakistan to compete in the pageant
While women of Pakistani origin have previously participated in local-level beauty pageants held in various countries, Pakistan itself has never been represented on the Miss Universe stage – until now. News of a Pakistani woman competing on the international stage for the first time has garnered considerable attention in the country.
Karachi-born Erica Robin, 24, has left an indelible mark on the Miss Universe 2023 pageant with her enchanting charisma and glamorous ensembles, relaying the rich cultural traditions of Pakistan.The first-ever Miss Pakistan, Robin is a model fighting gender bias and inequality in the workplace.
“I’m most proud of standing up for what I believe in my life. Recently, right after I was announced as the new titleholder for Miss Universe Pakistan, I received some backlash from different sectors of the community, but I would like to stand up for what I believe in,” her bio reads. “Despite these criticisms, I was ready to face any challenges ahead of me while maintaining my values as a young modern Pakistani woman, representing our rich culture and heritage, and showing the world that Pakistan can celebrate the success of women.”
A recent feature by “Harper’s Bazaar Arabia” showcased the model’s advocacy for diverse humanitarian causes. The beauty queen impassionedly participated in an event for Down Syndrome Awareness Month as the newly crowned Miss Universe Pakistan.
Additionally, Robin is an integral part of the Red Cross Family, having joined the Red Cross Youth Philippines. Engaging with the youth, she spent a day listening to their aspirations, creating a meaningful activity day filled with shared hopes and dreams for the future.
Robin has reiterated her appreciation for Pakistan’s diverse cultures at various occasions, including the preliminary contest for Miss Universe which required contenders to don their national costume. Remarking on her personal and cultural identity, she flaunted a vibrant costume “Pehchaan” (individuality).
The first black Miss Spain
Miss Spain Athenea Pérez won this year’s Miss Congeniality title. The model won the honor after the delegates voted for the competitor who inspired her peers with kindness, positivity and enthusiasm. In remarks shared by hosts Hall and Gray, Perez said that “her biggest fear this week was forgetting this was a competition because she was so busy socializing and making friends.”
Perez is being celebrated for more than being a steward of sisterhood. She made history as the first woman of color to hold the title of Miss Spain.
“I believe that diversity is the future and I’m an example of it,” Pérez said in an interview segment. “Currently, I’m collaborating with children’s villages with immigrant mothers and single-parent households because I was raised by a single mother who is an immigrant and black woman.” She continued, “I know that my story can help to inspire other people. Diversity is here, and diversity is now – it’s today.”
The 27-year-old is an advocate for racial equality back in her country, and wanted to use the global platform to fight interpersonal violence.
Pérez, who ranked among the top 10 finalists, presented several looks. She paid tribute to Spain’s traditions in a flamenco-inspired dress by Siempreviva that featured dramatic ruffles around the train and wrists. During the evening gown segment, she chose a sparkling gold dress that incorporated all-over sequins and large cutouts.
For the swimsuit round, she chose a bikini designed by Rubin Singer, MUO’s collaborator for its first merchandise line. The opening number saw her in a blue one-shoulder cocktail dress by Clarisse Designs, which provided dresses worn by all delegates for the musical intro.
The boldest looks
From start to finish, the contestants of Miss Universe 2023 showed off daring fashion as they walked the runway in sheer gowns, cut-out swimsuits and sparkly minidresses. Here are the most daring outfits from the pageant.
Miss Nicaragua’s shimmery minidress
Miss Universe 2023 winner Sheynnis Palacios’ sleeveless pink minidress had a sweetheart neckline, iridescent sequins all over and a miniskirt with a short slit. But the look’s most daring feature was its open back and sides held together with only thin strings.
Miss Jamaica’s lilac gown
Jordanne Lauren Levy walked the ramp in a floor-length lilac gown with rhinestone detailing. The outfit featured a daring V-shaped neckline and a semi-sheer panel extending from the gown’s bodice to its hem.
Miss Nepal’s gray bathing suit
Jane Dipika Garrett’s metallic outfit was backless and had a teardrop-shaped cutout. The bathing suit, which also had a plunging neckline, shimmered in the light as Garrett walked across the stage.
Miss Namibia’s metallic swimsuit
Jameela Uiras wore the most daring outfit for the swimsuit round. Her bathing suit featured a plunging neckline in front and back. She completed the look with sparkling hoop earrings and tan heels.
Miss Thailand’s crystal-studded gown
Anntonia Porsild’s floor-length gown was entirely sheer, with only silver crystals covering its see-through fabric. The bold garment also had a thigh-high slit and practically invisible straps, creating the illusion that Porsild only wore rhinestones.
Miss Philippines’ fishnet outfit
Michelle Marquez Dee looked chic in the black strapless gown detailed with a fishnet bodice matching the dress’s long sleeves adorned with sparkling shoulder pads. The skirt was a shimmering fabric wrapping around her waist with a thigh-high slit. She completed the bold look with black platform sandals.
Miss Pakistan’s modest swimwear
Erica Robin’s outfit made a modest yet daring statement. Covering her entire body, she dressed up in a baby pink burkini with a sparkling metallic neckline that almost reached the floor.
Miss Puerto Rico’s embellished gown
Karla Guilfu Acevedo’s strapless gown was entirely sheer but covered with pink and purple rhinestones that shielded her skin. She also wore a purple collar piece that reached her shoulders and had a thin train that flowed down her back.
Miss Venezuela’s strapless gown
Diana Silva wore a stunning silver strapless floor-length gown entirely embellished with rhinestones, detailed with short fringes at the bottom for the evening gown contest. The bold cutout in the middle of its bodice was the eye-catcher.
Miss Peru’s single-shoulder dress
The single strap of her dress had silver rope pieces that reached over her shoulder, and its daring bodice had multiple cutouts across the chest and waist. The dress – which had a hip-high slit in its skirt – added to the glamour with its all-over stripes of blue and silver rhinestones.
