Miss Universe pageant will have two trans women contestants this year for the first time in history
Hindustan TimesThe Miss Universe competition this year will feature at least two transgender contestants for the first time in history. The news comes after 23-year-old flight attendant Marina Machete won the Miss Portugal crown last week ahead of the 72nd Miss Universe competition this November. Two transgender women to compete in 72nd Miss Universe competition The 72nd Miss Universe competition will take place in El Salvador this year in November. If either Marina Machete or Rikkie Kolle win the competition, they will become the first trans woman to wear the Miss Universe crown. In a video posted to the Portuguese pageant's YouTube channel ahead of the Miss Portugal competition, Marina Machete said, “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.” Rikki had also posted a video before her pageant and said, "Miss Universe asked us to describe ourselves in one word.