The co-owner of Miss Universe has banned transgender women from being eligible to win the pageant.

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Controversial Variance in Miss Universe Competition

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding leaked audio from a Miss Universe board meeting. In the recording, one of the co-owners stated that transgender women and those from non-traditional backgrounds are allowed to participate in the pageant, but may face disadvantages when it comes to winning. This statement, made by a transgender co-owner, has sparked different reactions from those observing the situation.

The controversy surrounding the use of audio clips.

The sound recording being discussed is taken from a Miss Universe board meeting that took place in November 2023, recently revealed by English-speaking news sources. The speaker is purportedly Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of Miss Universe, who suggests that individuals from various backgrounds, including transgender individuals, married women, and divorced women, are able to participate but cannot be declared as winners. She defends this contentious viewpoint by stating it as a means of fostering social inclusion through communication.

Jakrajutatip addressed the recently shared recording, claiming that her statements were unfairly manipulated and removed from their intended context. She emphasized the detrimental misinterpretation of her words and has faith that the genuine advocates of the Miss Universe organization, who advocate for inclusivity, will recognize the reality.

The Path to Embracing Diversity and Celebrating Beauty

Improving representation on the Miss Universe stage through programming appears to be moving forward. A suggestion was made to include models of varying sizes and races. However, there was a caveat that regulating audience voting may be necessary to avoid favoring specific body types.

The Miss Universe champions are traditionally chosen by a panel that seeks out genuine, self-assured young women who display compassion and have the determination to make a meaningful impact on the world. This belief is central to the essence of Miss Universe’s ideals.

The Business Side of Diversity

Jakrajutatip also mentioned the possibility of taking advantage of the enthusiasm surrounding diversity within the competition. She emphasized that this could result in more opportunities for marketing Miss Universe products.

She continued to defend herself against the leaked audio scandal and identified an unnamed man as the one spreading the harmful rumors. She expressed gratitude towards her loyal fans who can distinguish between truth and falsehood, highlighting her ongoing battle for equality as a transgender woman and mother.

The Aftermath of Miss Universe

The recent release of private audio has surfaced following surprising departures from Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. Both pageant winners cited a toxic work environment and allegations of bullying from Laylah Rose, the president of Miss USA Organization, as their reasons for stepping down. Despite this, the Miss Universe Organization, which oversees the Miss USA Organization, has not addressed the resignations.

Breaking Barriers: Trans Representation in Beauty Pageants

Miss Universe co-owner Jakrajutatip has earned the distinction of being the first woman to own the Miss Universe organization. Her ownership was hailed as ushering in an era of progressive and inclusive representation in the 72-year-old pageant. Married women and mothers have been allowed to participate for the first time under her tenure.

Jakrajutatip previously expressed how she was inspired to purchase the organization after witnessing Spanish contestant Ángela Ponce participate in Thailand in 2018. Although transgender women had been allowed to compete since 2012, Ponce became the first openly transgender contestant in the pageant’s history.

As debates now rage over the extent of diversity in beauty pageants, it is evident that for transformation to take place, a change in perception and acceptance is crucial. True diversity can only emerge from a deep sense of equality, acceptance and open-mindedness towards all women, regardless of traditional boundaries.