To trace the LGBTQA+ representation at Miss Universe, one does not have to go too far. While the beauty pageants strive to empower women, it hasn’t, for the longest time, been inclusive of women who showed any character traits than that of a ‘natural born’ woman. In the last decade, the pageant has understood the need to become more inclusive.
Here is the tracing of proud LGBTQA+ representation at Miss Universe –
Angela Ponce – first ever transgender contestant of Miss Universe
Miss Universe organization allowed participation of transgender woman in 2012. The decision was taken with advice from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). However, the first participation came six years later when Spain’s Angela Ponce competed at Miss Universe 2018. While Angela did not win any placement, she sure did win people’s hearts with her grace and strong message on the finale stage.
Swe Zin Htet – first ever gay contestant of Miss Universe
Swe Zin Htet became the first openly gay participant at Miss Universe 2019 where she represented Myanmar. She helped to write the next chapter in pageant representation hoping to leave a lasting and hopefully change-inducing mark globally and specially in her own country where same sex relationships are illegal even today. She certainly made a mark for the future beauty queens to come out proudly.
Beatrice Luigi Gomez – first ever gay Miss Universe Philippines
Beatrice Luigi Gomez was crowned Miss Universe Phlippines 2021 becoming the first ever gay candidate to win the national crown. As the Philippines’ first LGBT queen Beatrice broke barriers and competed at Miss Universe 2021 winning a spot in the Top 5.
Other than these beauty queens, Maria Thattil Miss Universe Australia 2020 came out as bisexual after her stint at Miss Universe 2020. Spain's Patricia Yurena Rodríguez Alonso, came second at Miss Universe 2013, also come out but only after the competition ended.