“Finally Representation”: People React To Miss Nepal Competing In This Year’s Miss Universe

Another trailblazing moment emerged when Miss Portugal, Marina Machete, stood out as the first transgender contestant to place at the 2023 pageant.

Prior to competing, the 28-year-old flight attendant wrote on Instagram that she was “proud to be the first trans woman to compete for the title of Miss Universe Portugal”.

“For many years I wasn’t eligible to compete, and now it’s such an honor to be a part of this incredible group of candidates,” she added.