Miss Universe Welcomes Trans Contestants for the First Time<br />This year's Miss Universe pageant is making history by featuring two trans contestants for the first time.<br />Rikkie Kolle, the first trans woman to win Miss Netherlands, will be joined by Marina Machete, the newly crowned Miss Portugal.<br />In a video posted by the Portuguese pageant, Marina Machete spoke about the importance of trans rights as part of her platform.<br />She highlighted the alarming levels of "transphobia and intolerance" worldwide and praised the Miss Universe Organization for being inclusive and breaking boundaries.<br />The Miss Universe Organization changed its rules in 2012 to allow trans contestants, and they are proud to celebrate trans women as women.<br />If either Rikkie Kolle or Marina Machete wins, they will become the first trans woman to wear the Miss Universe tiara.<br />Over the past decade, Miss Universe has been evolving to embrace diversity and inclusivity.<br />They lifted the ban on transgender contestants after a legal battle and have since welcomed contestants from various backgrounds.<br />Both Rikkie Kolle and Marina Machete have used their platforms to promote a more inclusive vision of beauty pageants.<br />They encourage others to feel inspired and confident in being their true selves.<br />The Miss Universe pageant, which has been running since 1952, will see nearly 90 women from around the world competing for the crown.<br />This year's pageant is a testament to the progress made in the beauty industry towards greater representation and acceptance.<br />#latestnews #news #cnn #gaza #israel
