Transgender Beauty Queen Makes Miss Universe Singapore Finals – Here’s Why It Matters

The Miss Universe Singapore beauty pageant has made headlines this year for its first transgender finalist contestant.

According to reports from The Straits Times, the Miss Universe Singapore Organization significantly extended its participation requirements this year, resulting in a diverse group of contestants among the final 15 candidates.

Highlighting inclusivity and diversity, the pageant embraced a diverse group of participants this year, including a 65-year-old contestant and a single mom. But the real standout was 33-year-old transgender contestant  Qatrisha Zairyah. In a historic first for the 70-year-old pageant, Zairyah made it to the finals, drawing the most attention and breaking new ground for the competition.

Zairyah underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2017 and is now married with a family. She credited her husband for his unwavering support throughout her journey, noting that they first met when she met during national service at age 20 and that he was by her side during her transition.

Zairyah cited her role model Miss Spain Angela Ponce, stating, “I cried when I saw Angela representing transgender women on stage.” Angela Ponce was the first transgender contestant to compete in Miss Universe in 2018.

She expressed her aspirations, saying, “I have what it takes to be the winner. It would be truly amazing to become the first transgender woman to represent Singapore on the world stage. I might even be the first Asian transgender woman to represent on such a stage.”

Since 2012, Miss Universe has lifted requirements so transgender individuals can compete. In 2018, Marina Machete, a transgender former flight attendant, won the title in Portugal. Similarly, another transgender contestant, Rikkie Valerie Kollé, took home the crown at the Netherlands pageant last July.