Transgender women can participate in Miss Universe Canada.
Jenna Talackova needs, however, to obtain legal recognition of her gender identity in accordance with Canadian law; she was disqualified last month and gained support in her country.
247 - Transgender woman Jenna Talackova, 23, has been given permission to participate in the Miss Universe Canada pageant – she had been disqualified last month for not being “naturally” female. The organization reversed its decision and stated that if Talackova “provides legal recognition of her gender identity in accordance with Canadian law,” she will be able to participate in the pageant.
The exclusion of the Canadian contestant generated protests around the world and a mobilization on social media for the right of transgender women to participate in the Miss Canada pageant. The pageant, owned by businessman Donald Trump, has not, however, made clear what measures are necessary for Talackova to compete for the title of Canada's most beautiful woman.
The case made the transgender woman well-known in her country. She stated to television channels that she has lived as a woman since she was 4 years old and began taking female hormones at 14. She underwent sex reassignment surgery four years ago.