5 ways Miss Universe 2023 pageant embraced diversity
What's the story
El Salvador hosted the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, where 84 women competed for the coveted title and honored diversity and beauty beyond limits.
While Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua emerged as the winner, the pageant also witnessed various other changemakers.
This edition of Miss Universe threw away the traditional pageant standards of being 'beautiful' and encouraged inclusivity, equality and empowerment.
Age limit
No age limit
The Miss Universe pageant has historically included an age limit, allowing women between the ages of 18 and 28 to compete. But the ban was lifted starting this year.
This opened the platform for women who are also mothers.
Michelle Cohn, a 28-year-old mother of two from Guatemala was among the contestants this year. Cohn is also a model and an entrepreneur.
Motherhood
Embracing motherhood
Camila Avella from Columbia who is married with one child became the first married contestant.
The Miss Universe Organization underwent a series of policy changes. Per this, the restriction on married and divorced women was discarded this year.
Per her bio, Avella is a journalist and model who works to support young moms by giving them financial management and mental health education.
Queer
LGBTQ+ friendly
Trans women Valerie Kolle of the Netherlands and Marina Machete of Portugal competed in the contest making the pageant more equitable and inclusive.
This marks the inaugural participation of LGBTQ+ representatives from these countries in this yearly international extravaganza.
Before them, Angela Ponce, who represented Spain in 2018 was the first transgender person to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
Plus-size
Size inclusivity
Another significant achievement was when Jane Dipika Garrett, a contender from Nepal, became the first curvaceous competitor to participate in the biggest beauty pageant in the world.
She even placed in the event's Top 20. The 22-year-old model captured the attention of several viewers with the confident and proud display of her physique during her bikini presentation, which went viral on social media.
Debutants
Pakistan makes a debut
Contstant Erica Robin made history by becoming the first Miss Pakistan to compete in the pageant.
"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," reads the 24-year-old model's bio.