Miss Universe Allows Transgender Contestant Back Into Competition
After initially disqualifying a transgender contestant, organizers of the Miss Universe beauty pageant have reversed course saying she can participate.
In a statement late Monday night, the Miss Universe Organization said Jenna Talackova can compete provided “she meets the legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, and the standards established by other international competitions.”
The statement, however, did not elaborate on what the requirements were.
The news came a day before Talackova was expected to hold a news conference with high-profile feminist lawyer Gloria Allred to talk about her experience.
Until now she hasn’t spoken to reporters, and it was unclear whether the news conference Tuesday will proceed as planned.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, or GLAAD, commended the pageant organizer’s decision Monday night.
“The Miss Universe Organization made the right decision and has taken an important first step,” the group said in a statement.