In a recent statement, the patron of the Miss Italy beauty pageant, Patrizia Mirigliani, has declared that transgender individuals will not be allowed to compete in the competition. According to Mirigliani, contestants in Miss Italy must be women from birth. This decision comes in contrast to other beauty pageants that have sought to generate media attention by including non-traditional participants.
Mirigliani, the daughter of the late Miss Italy founder Enzo Mirigliani, expressed her disapproval of beauty contests using strategies she deems “absurd” to make headlines. She explained that the regulations of Miss Italy have always specified that contestants must be women from birth. Mirigliani also acknowledged that beauty can undergo modifications and that men can become women, which is why the rules of Miss Italy were established to reflect these considerations.
It is worth noting that polling conducted by the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute in 2016 revealed that Italians generally support transgender rights, with Italy among the 21 polled countries that support policies banning discrimination against transgender individuals. The poll also indicated that Italy scored 57 out of 100 on a scale determining overall support for transgender issues, with Spain scoring the highest at 74 and Russia in last place with 41.
Mirigliani’s statement comes shortly after the Netherlands crowned its first-ever transgender winner of a similar beauty pageant. Rikkie Valerie Kolle, a 22-year-old transgender model, won the Miss Netherlands beauty pageant and will represent the country at the Miss Universe contest in El Salvador in December. Throughout the competition, Kolle used her platform to advocate for transgender rights and easier access to gender-affirming healthcare options in her country.
However, Kolle’s victory and advocacy have also attracted online backlash, with her receiving derogatory messages and even death threats. She revealed that her daily direct messages are filled with people wishing harm upon her. Despite the negativity, Kolle sees it as an opportunity to have a larger platform and raise awareness for the transgender community.
The issue of transgender individuals participating in beauty pageants is reminiscent of the controversies surrounding transgender competitors in sports. Both topics spark debates and discussions about inclusivity, fairness, and the rights of transgender individuals.
While Miss Italy takes a firm stance on transgender competitors, other beauty pageants have shown a willingness to embrace diversity and challenge traditional norms. Miss Universe, for example, made history in 2018 when Spanish contestant Angela Ponce became the first transgender competitor in the event. These instances reflect the ongoing evolution and dialogue surrounding gender identity and inclusivity in various industries and societies.
It remains to be seen how Miss Italy’s decision will impact its reputation and future participation rates. As societal attitudes and understanding of gender identity continue to evolve, beauty pageants and other organizations are increasingly challenged to navigate the complexities of inclusivity while upholding their own values and traditions.
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