For decades, the Miss Universe pageant has celebrated the strength and charisma of contestants from around the globe. But over the years, the beauty competition has undergone significant transformations, making it more inclusive and diverse than ever.
This year, we see that norms have been shattered. Here’s a rundown of what’s new in Miss Universe 2023.
1. Married Women and Moms are Welcome
Miss Universe is no longer just a competition for single women; it's now open to married women and moms. This change represents a significant step forward in acknowledging that a woman's worth is not defined by her marital status or bearing children. It celebrates the multifaceted nature of modern women, who can balance careers, families, and their personal aspirations.
This year, we see Michelle Cohhn, who was crowned Miss Universe Guatemala in August, the first married woman with children to achieve this title. She is also the first who has competed on the global stage.
The 28-year-old beauty queen is happily married to Andres Mattheu and is a proud mother of two adorable children, a son and a daughter.
Meanwhile, Colombia’s bet for Miss Universe 2023, Camilla Avella, is also married and gave birth to her first child just two years ago.
In September 2022, Paula Shugart, then president of the Miss Universe organization, said if a woman can do the job, regardless of her marital status, then she could be Miss Universe.
“We did not want to be in a position that we are precluding someone from competing if they felt that they can handle that job. If you know what the job description is…they need to be able to handle that job as a Miss Universe, whether they have a family or not,” she told ANC in an interview.
READ: This Year’s Miss Universe Philippines Isn’t Like The Previous Ones And Here's Why
Miss Universe 2020 winner Andrea Meza of Mexico had said in a separate interview that the change in policy was of perfect timing.
"Just like society changes and women are now occupying leadership positions where in the past only men could, it was about time pageants changed and opened up to women with families,” Meza told The Insider.
READ: Gloria Diaz Thinks Married And Trans Women *Shouldn't* Be Allowed To Join Miss Universe
2. Transgender Inclusivity
This year, Miss Universe Netherlands Rikkie Valerie Kollé is aiming for the crown. The model and transgender seeks to make the LGBT community proud.
Miss Portugal Mariana Machete also wants to make history as the first transgender Miss Universe title holder.
The Miss Universe pageant in 2013 permitted transgender women to participate in all of its competitions. The policy was in response to public outcry following the disqualification of Jenna Talackova, a Canadian contestant, due to her not being a "naturally born female." Talackova, then 23, underwent gender reassignment surgery at the age of 19 and was subsequently reinstated to the competition.
READ: Catriona + Laura Speak About Trans Women Joining Miss Universe
3. All body shapes are celebrated
While it was an unwritten rule, previous Miss Universe candidates and title-holders are expected to have svelte figures. However, we’ve seen recently that body positivity is now in the Miss Universe vocabulary.
Miss Nepal Jane Dipika Garrett, who made history as the first-ever curvy queen of the South Asian nation, is an early crowd favorite. Her confidence exudes an aura worthy of a beauty queen!
During her local pageant, the 22-year-old nurse and business developer captivated judges and audiences alike with her confidence, charisma, and advocacy for body positivity, mental health, and hormonal issues.
Look at her during the Miss Universe preliminaries!
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In 2022, Harnaaz Sandhu got the support of the Miss Universe organization when she gained weight during her reign. She eventually revealed that she was suffering from Celiac disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine.
4. Respecting Religious Practices
Miss Pakistan Erica Robin proudly wore a burkini during the swimsuit round at the Miss Universe preliminaries. Look at how she showcased her beauty at the annual competition! In an earlier interview with local media, she said he has "immense respect" for her culture and that it was her personal choice to wear a burkini.
“I want to show the beautiful side of Pakistan, away from all the negativity and hate that we see on some media outlets,” The National quoted her as saying.
5. Earlier this year, the Miss Universe Organization also removed the age limit.
- The previous age limit of 18 to 28 years old has been removed.
- Women of all ages above 18 can now compete, recognizing that beauty and wisdom are not confined by age.
Traditionally, contestants had to be between 18 and 28 years old to participate. However, this restriction was lifted on September 13, 2023, allowing women of all ages above 18 to compete. This alteration is a recognition that beauty and wisdom don't have an age limit. It celebrates the timeless allure and achievements of women, regardless of their age.
Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, in an interview during Tanner Fletcher's spring 2024 New York Fashion Week show, said she was proud of this change.
“What I love about Miss Universe is that they are always out first in line, looking for ways they can be more inclusive and better live up to the platform that they’ve designed for us,” Gabriel exclusively told WWD. “It’s a bold group of women in charge over here, and you know what, a lot of people tend to follow what we do — it’s nice to be a standard-bearer, and I’m proud that we get to do this.”
