The worldwide beauty pageant, which was formerly owned by Donald Trump, may be receiving a progressive makeover thanks to its new owner, a Thai trans rights supporter
Despite all the debate about very real and destructive heteronormative beauty standards, it appears that one beauty contest is poised to burn it all down.
The Miss Universe organization revealed on Tuesday that Thai millionaire Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, a trans woman, had purchased the competition for $20 million. According to CNN, the acquisition makes Jakkaphong the first woman owner of the Miss Universe Organization, as well as the first trans owner.
Jakkaphong is the CEO of JKN Global Group PCL, a media distribution firm located in Thailand, and has starred in Thai versions of reality programs such as Project Runway. Most significantly, the pageant's new owner is a vocal supporter of transgender rights. And it means something because Miss USA sends ladies from all around the country to Miss Universe, one of the most internationally known pageants in the world.
Jakkaphong described herself as "very honored" to have purchased the company. "We aspire not just to maintain its heritage of offering a platform to enthusiastic individuals from varied origins, cultures, and traditions," she explained, "but also to adapt the brand for the future generation."
The CEO and president of the Miss Universe Organization said in a joint statement that they were "happy to continue the growth of the Miss Universe Organization with JKN" and that their "progressive approach continues to put us at the forefront of our industry."
In September 2015, Donald Trump, a guy who should not have had access to so many young women, sold the Miss Universe Organization, which included Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, to the entertainment firm WME/IMG. Pageants are routinely purchased by persons who know nothing about the industry and have no intention of protecting and improving the women's experiences. The business is riddled with scandals, sexual harassment allegations, and widespread maltreatment. Miss Universe only allowed transgender participants in 2012 after a trans Canadian contestant threatened legal action.
Putting a prominent trans woman in charge of Miss Universe, then, is the ultimate slap in the face to Trump and everyone else who sought to confine pageants to cis women. It also means that American viewers can't reject trans people's greatness and beauty, given that Jakkaphong now has the authority to redefine judging criteria and create methods to make candidates like herself feel comfortable and empowered inside the space.
#MissU #MissUniverse #DonaldTrump #AnneJakkaphongJakrajutatip #MissUSA #MissTeenUSA #TransGender
SOURCE: jezebel
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