Miss Russia and transgender Miss Universe contestants: photos

In 2023, the Miss Universe pageant proudly announced the opportunity for married women and moms to participate for the first time.

This year also saw the participation of a plus-size model and two transgender contestants for the first time.

Margarita Alexandrovna Golubeva will represent Russia.

22-year-old model Margarita Alexandrovna Golubeva will represent Russia at the finals on November 18, she is from St. Petersburg. Golubeva was finishing her studies in Moscow to become a federal customs agent when she won the Miss Universe Russia pageant.

The oldest of four children managed to get into modeling by accident, going to audition for a pelmeni commercial at 15 and calling instead to''Netherlands. Angela Ponce from Spain became the first transgender contestant in the 2018 pageant, but failed to make it to the finals.

Competition realization! Dutch candidate Ricky Collet and Portugal's Marina Machete are becoming part of Miss Universe history, as it's the first time two trans women are competing here.

Salvador's role in the pageant

Salvador was excited to host the contest to showcase President Nayib Bukele's achievements in the fight against crime and poverty. Bukele proudly shared a video of his compatriot Isabella Garcia-Manzo, in a volcano-inspired outfit, on Thursday night.

Past and Future''pageant

The Miss Universe pageant was previously owned by New York millionaire real estatedeveloper Donald Trump, but he sold it in 2015 after announcing his successful candidacy in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In 2020, the competition was purchased by Thai trader and transgender activist Ann Jakrajutatip from JKN Global Group for $20 million.

JKN Global filed for a business restructuring before a Thai bankruptcy court earlier this month. However, Jakrajutatip assured that it will not affect the Miss Universe pageant in any way.