Miss Universe 2023 Welcomes Two Transgender Women, a Plus-size Model and Mothers for the First Time  

The 72nd Miss Universe pageant is embracing diversity and representation. For the first time, the global competition has two transgender women, two mothers and a plus-size model aiming for the crown.  The Miss Universe 2023 pageant debuted its preliminary phase in El Salvador on Wednesday with the evening gown and swimsuit rounds. Miss Portugal Marina Machete and Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kollé made history as the first trans women representing their countries in the competition.   Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kollé Kollé, a 22-year-old model and LGBTQIA+ rights activist, has denounced the hate she received after being crowned Miss Netherlands in July. She now uses her platform to share messages of encouragement to trans people around the world. “I see you all, I love you all. And I hope we can stay strong together,” Kollé wrote on Instagram after debuting at the Miss Universe competition. Miss Portugal Marina Machete Machete, a 23-year-old flight attendant, was crowned in October. In a video shared on her Instagram account, she referred to her victory as a dream come true and said she hopes to help people change their minds about transgender women. “As a trans woman, I’ve been through many obstacles along the way. But fortunately, and especially

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