The Miss Universe Pageant has evolved dramatically since its earlier days when its once rigid rules forbid mothers, wives, or any woman over 28 from competing for the highly coveted crown.

Now, the organization allowed transgender contestants, and some fans are saying the participation of trans beauty queens is “sad.” In 2012, the Miss Universe pageant – now owned and operated by transgender woman Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip – announced that openly transgender women who won their national titles are allowed to compete.Six years later, Spain’s Angela Ponce competed in 2018, making history as the first-ever trans contestant in Miss Universe. Speaking with Time ahead of the competition, Ponce said, “I’m competing because it’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl. I’m showing that trans women can be whatever they want to be: a teacher, a mother, a doctor, a politician and even Miss Universe.” Referencing the less progressive members of the audience, she continued, “I’m not trying to impose anything on anyone. I’d never try to change anyone’s culture or way of life. But by competing I’ll make trans people more visible for everyone, which is a big step.” With the exception of Italy, which still has a ban on trans contestants, some With the exception of Italy, which still has a ban on trans contestants, some countries across the world are loosening qualifications for national pageants. Miss Portugal, Marina Machete, and Miss Netherlands, Rikkie Valerie Kollé, both made history as the first transgender women to claim their national titles. Miss Universe pageant featured two trans women – it sparked bitter debate online. Enter the discussion in the opening comment section