The 72nd edition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant concluded on Sunday morning in El Salvador with Miss Nicaragua taking home the crown – a first for the country.
However, this wasn’t the only ‘first’ the previously controversial contest saw this year. The latest edition broke its decades-long stereotypes and created history by finally embracing inclusivity and representation, factors that it had long been lambasted for neglecting.
The Miss Universe 2023 contest saw a plus-sized model, two mothers, two transgenders, the first Pakistani in the running and the first Black Miss Spain competing for the coveted title.
First-ever contestant from Pakistan
This year’s Miss Universe marked the first time a Pakistani competed for the title. Model Erica Robin, 24, was crowned Miss Pakistan in a pageant held in the Maldives earlier this year. Robin actively battles gender bias and workplace inequality.
Her bio reads: "I'm most proud of standing up for what I believe in my life. Recently, right after I was announced as the new titleholder for Miss Universe Pakistan, I received some backlash from different sectors of the community, but I would like to stand up for what I believe in."
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First plus-sized contestant
Miss Nepal, 22-year-old model Jane Dipika Garrett, is the first body-inclusive contestant to have entered the competition in its over 70 years. she also emerged as the crowd favourite as she walked the runway during the preceding rounds of the main competition held on Sunday.
Garrett wants to be known as an advocate for mental and hormonal health, saying she has struggled with depression caused by her PCOS.
"I am a determined, resilient, and genuine woman who embraces her true essence and nature without fear," her bio submitted featured by Miss Universe reads. "My life experiences have molded me into the strong, bold, and courageous woman I am today."
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In an interview, Garrett called herself an advocate of body positivity. “As a curvy woman who doesn’t follow certain beauty standards, I’m here to represent all women."
She is previously said to have struggled with body image issues. “A few years ago, I was a very insecure person and had very low self-esteem. Now, I love myself, and that’s success to me," she said in the interview, adding: “I think there’s not one way to be beautiful, every woman is beautiful just as they are."
First transgender Miss Portugal, Miss Netherlands competitors
The global beauty contest also created history by featuring two transgender contestants, Miss Portugal Marina Machete and Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kolle, who became the first openly trans women to win their national titles.
The bio of Machete, 28, a flight attendant, said she is deeply committed to equity and inclusion, expressing pride in overcoming challenges with courage and strength, leading to the development of humanity and kindness towards others in her life.
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Kollé won the Miss Netherlands title in July. In a campaign video for Miss Universe, she advocated for equality and denounces bullying based on her gender identity.
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These two contestants became only the second and third openly transgender persons to be participating in the contest, after Angela Ponce of Spain created history by being the first in 2018.
Two married women, mothers in the running
This was also the first year for the competition that married women and mothers were allowed to compete for the crown.
Miss Guatemala, Michelle Cohn, 28 is a model and a mother of two. She is also an entrepreneur. According to her bio on the Miss Universe pageant's Instagram page, she initiated a swimwear brand in 2016 and is dedicated to fostering equal opportunity by employing deaf women. She also takes pride in being the inaugural mother chosen to represent her nation at Miss Universe, challenging stereotypes and advocating for women's empowerment.
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Meanwhile, Miss Colombia Camila Avella is also married with a child. The 28-year-old decided to give the contest another shot this year as a wife and mother, as she did not make it at her national competition in 2018.
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According to her bio, Avella is a journalist and a model, actively involved in empowering young mothers by offering various resources, such as financial management guidance and mental health training.
First Black Miss Spain
Miss Spain Athenea Pérez, who finished in the top 10, said in a Miss Universe video that she was raised by a single immigrant mother.
"I know that my story can help and inspire people," Pérez said. "Diversity is here, and diversity is now, it's today."
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The 27-year-old is an advocate for racial equality back in her country, and wanted to use the global platform to fight interpersonal violence.
