Reshaping The World Of Pageantry

Reshaping the world of pageantry- Rikkie & Marina creates history!

Recently we have seen, opening the doors for mothers, married and pregnant women, the newly owned Miss Universe organization has shown inclusivity at its peak. Nevertheless, this platform has always been diverse from the time it has allowed transwomen to also participate. In 2018, when Angela Ponce from Spain became the first transwoman to ever walk on the Universe stage proudly representing the LGBTQ+ community and its people, she created history. Adding to this lane, we have two more queens joining the same mission rightfully raising the voice for the queer community.

Rikkie Valerie Kolle becomes the first transwoman from the Netherlands to win her country's national pageant. This 22-year-old Indo-Dutch model and actress has turned the tables with her substantial persona when she won on the finale night. Being an LGBTQ rights activist, she speaks fearlessly for her community aiming to furnish them freedom from societal barriers and acknowledge the way they are! No doubt why instagram and other social media platforms have stormed with news flashes and messages celebrating her victory as a step towards inclusiveness.

On the other hand, after a few days of Rikkie's crowning, Marina Machete was officially crowned as Miss Universe Portugal 2023 where she won amongst 16 more contestants establishing a name for herself, representing and standing for her community. She became the first Portuguese trans woman to take over Miss Portugal's stage and an inspiration to millions of queer youngsters to have faith in themselves! After winning, she posted a video saying, "To all of you watching, I want to say, Just like the Universe, your possibilities in life are also limitless, so don't limit yourself to any dream that you have."

As the trans women are taking up space to reshape the conventional borders and redefine beauty in this new era of pageantry, they have also been facing a lot of backlash from some people stating these wins and participation as unfair due to which some national pageants like Miss Italy still remain impermissible for transwomen. As someone from the 21st century, people still think that transwomen participating with biologically women is irrelevant and unjust, although some believe how one feels about oneself is more essential.

What are your opinions, what do you think about trans women's recent wins and participation in the grand slam pageants?

Towards the end, it's crucial that we recognize the mission of a winner more than anything and appreciate their courage to come out and stand for their community and its rights. Similarly, Anne Jakrajutatip is an exceptional example of how you can confidently own your individuality without the fear of failure.

P&I Magazine by pageant and innovation wishes Rikkie and Marina all the very best for their Miss Universe journeys as they strongly advocate for what we also stand by as an inclusive platform for all.

Rikki Photo Credits:

Team

Fotografie: @carmenkemmink

Styling: @roelschagen

Visagie: @sandragovershairandmakeup

Tekst: @antoinnette_s

LINDA. @linda

Marina Photo Credits:

Team

Photo: @jessicacosta.xyz

Make Up: @ivanna_rohashko

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