Two trans women will be competing in the Miss Universe competition

The Miss Universe competition is friendly to transgender contestants and fans. After a trans business tycoon from Thailand bought the storied beauty pageant, the more welcoming environment has brought viewers flocking back after Donald Trump’s disastrous reign at the top.

But this year, two trans competitors – Miss Netherlands and Miss Portugal – will duke it out with 88 other women to take home the coveted crown.

Related: Nothing can destroy me: Trans tycoon Anne JKN is a hopeless romantic with a knack for making history

The Miss Universe owner spoke with LGBTQ Nation about her traumatic childhood, her glorious transition, and juggling work and single motherhood.

Marina Machete made history last week as the first transgender woman to claim the title of Miss Portugal. Rikkie Valerie Kollé became the first trans woman to be crowned Miss Netherlands earlier this year.

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“For many years I wasn’t eligible to compete and now it’s such an honour to be a part of this incredible group of candidates!” Machete posted on Instagram before winning the competition.

After her win, she posted a video encouraging her fans and followers not to limit themselves and follow their dreams.

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A post shared by Marina Machete (@marinamachetereis)

After winning the crown as Miss Netherlands, Kollé also celebrated on Instagram.

“Yes I’m trans and I want to share my story but I’m also Rikkie and that’s what matters to me,” she wrote. “And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I missed as a little me.”

Kollé, who said she didn’t feel supported after coming out, would like to leave the trauma behind and focus on being a voice and role model for young women and queer people.

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A post shared by Rikkie Valerie Kollé (@rikkievaleriekolle)

The first transgender contestant in the Miss Universe pageant, Angela Ponce, represented Spain in 2018.

Anne Jakrajutatip, a Thai businesswoman who is also transgender, owns the pageant currently. At the culmination of the 2022 pageant, Jakrajutatip made an inspiring speech about turning the “pain” of her childhood into “power” for herself and all women.

“It has been 70 years [that the] Miss Universe Organization [has been] run by men. But now, time is up,” she said to thunderous applause.

“Welcome to the new era of the global women’s empowerment platform. Welcome to the Miss Universe organization. From now on, it’s gonna be run by women, owned by a trans woman, for all women, for all women really around the world to celebrate the power of feminism.”