FLASHBACK: APRIL 10, 2012 IN

FLASHBACK

Miss Universe Pageant Ends Ban On Transgender Contestants (April 10, 2012)

The Miss Universe organization ended its ban on transgender contestants on April 10, 2012, announcing that transgender women would finally be allowed to compete for the crown in its beauty competitions.

The decision came following weeks of headlines and scrutiny after Jenna Talackova, a Canadian competitor, was disqualified on March 24 because she had been born male.

At the time, Miss Universe officials insisted that the sudden change was in spite of, not because of, legal threats from Talackova’s lawyer Gloria Allred, a prominent women’s rights lawyer. According to a statement made by Miss Universe president Paula Shugart at the time, credit for the policy change must be given elsewhere. All competitions under the Miss Universe Pageant became open to all transgender women beginning at the start of the Fall 2013 pageant season.

“We want to give credit where credit is due, and the decision to include transgender women in our beauty competitions is a result of our ongoing discussions with GLAAD and not Jenna’s legal representation, which if anything delayed the process,” she said. “We have a long history of supporting equality for all women, and this was something we took very seriously.”

Ultimately, Talackova was welcomed back to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant and if she had won, eligible to go on to the Miss Universe Pageant. At the Miss Universe Canada pageant on May 19, 2012, Talackova made it into the Top 12, but failed to reach the Top 5. She was, however, one of four contestants awarded the title of Miss Congeniality.

C O MMUN IT Y

R ESI L IE NC Y

2- SPI R ITE D PEOP L E OF T H E 1 S T N ATIO N S

2-spirited people of the 1st nation is a non-profit AIDS service organization that was founded over 25 years ago for indigenous, two-spirit folks. 2-spirits provides prevention education and support for Two-spirits, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit people living with or at risk for HIV and related co-infections in the Greater Toronto Area. We base our work in Indigenous philosophies of wholistic health and wellness. 2-spirits offers a variety of support services, cultural programming, HIV education, harm reduction services, Traditional and counselling support, and put on various events throughout the year. We meet people where they are at and give space for our community to define their own identity, family priorities and their needs. We currently offer a wide range of programs and supports such as, two bi-weekly talking circles – one for youth and one for all others 2-spirit members, food support – with fresh and non-perishable food, we run a posi+ive Living program for individuals living with HIV, a health and wellness body movement program where we encourage community to move their bodies, and have various alternating programs – such as Cooking programs, Beeding Regalia making, Bingo, and Social Hangouts. To participate in any of our programs or become a member of the organization reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website.

This is community, this is resiliency, this is 2-Spirits. Let’s reclaim our place in the circle, together.

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