The Miss Universe pageant represents more than international beauty. Considered an outdated pageant by some critics, the pageant owner Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, a transgender businesswoman who purchased the organization for $20,000,000 last year, took to the stage tonight in New Orleans to share its new direction — a focus on female leaders who support philanthropic causes, and advocate for inclusion and diversity. The messages were emphasized throughout the pageant, including the swimsuit competition with customized capes emblazoned with verbiage and illustrations in support of LGBTQ equality, environmental protection and women’s empowerment.
“I was not accepted by society because they did not want to embrace my differences,” Jakrajutatip said tonight onstage in New Orleans, Louisiana, referring to her identity as a transwoman. “I chose not to surrender. I turned pain into power and turned life lessons into wisdom. On this stage called the Miss Universe competition, we can elevate our women to feel strong enough, good enough and qualified enough and never be objectified again.”
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She promised under her helm, the pageant will have the “transformational leadership in order to enhance the organization’s longstanding heritage.” Mothers and married women are now allowed to compete.
In another show of visibility for under-represented communities, gender noncomforming musician Big Freedia served as judge and performer.
The time is now, we are LIVE! #MISSUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/V8kmoHYaum
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 15, 2023
The Thai entrepreneur owns JKN Global Group Public Limited, Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, CNBC Thailand and JKN18 TV.
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Jakrajutatip wore an embellished ivory dress with rhinestones, sequins and a delicate cape. She completed the look with mirrored gold platform heels.
The pageant owner presented Miss Thailand Anna Sueangam-iam with the ImpactWayy Leadership Award, which is a fan-voted social media competition.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel was named Miss Universe 2023, Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel was named first runner-up and Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez was the second runner-up.
The 2023 Miss Universe pageant celebrates international beauty, as well as a range of humanitarian causes from its contestants. Held on Jan. 14 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The event calls upon contestants from more than 80 countries to compete for this year’s crown: a diamond and blue sapphire creation by Mouawad Jewelry, titled “Force for Good.” The crown will be bestowed upon the 2023 winner by the 2022 Miss Universe winner Harnaaz Sandhu of India.
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