Now even transgender women can wear the Miss Universe crown

This is the first time that the age limit has been lifted, and now both married or divorced women as well as mothers and transgender women are allowed to participate.

This is all thanks to JKN Global Group’s CEO Jakkapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, who is the first woman to acquire the Miss Universe Organisation. Jakkapong, who has been named by Forbes as the third richest transgender woman in the world, acquired the organisation in October last year.

Meanwhile, here is a short biography of some of the women allowed to participate in the upcoming pageant:

• Miss Guatemala Michelle Cohn, 28

• Married and mother of two
• Model, and television presenter who does philanthropic work via her clothing brand

• Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kollé, 22

• Transgender woman
• Works as a model and hopes she can inspire the young and make changes in society

• Miss Nepal Jane Dipika Garrett, 23

• First plus-size woman to participate
• Born to American and Nepali parents, Garrett works as a nurse and business developer
• She actively leads campaigns to boost confidence among women regardless of size

• Miss Colombia Camila Avella, 27

• Married with one child
• Journalist and model, who campaigns to empower young mothers on issues like mental health, finances and running a business

• Miss Portugal Marina Machete, 28

• Transgender
• Works as a flight attendant and leads campaigns on social equality and participation

• Miss Thailand Antonia Porsild, 27

• Businesswoman
• Aims to inspire women worldwide to follow their dreams under her “Little Steps” campaign. She hopes to use the Miss Universe stage to offer financial and economic knowledge to women, so they can have a more secure life.

More information about the 86 women participating in the upcoming pageant is available on the “Hello Universe” Facebook page.