The 72nd Miss Universe pageant is embracing diversity and representation. For the primary time, the worldwide competition has two transgender women, two moms and a plus-size model aiming for the crown. 

The Miss Universe 2023 pageant debuted its preliminary phase in El Salvador on Wednesday with the evening gown and swimsuit rounds. Miss Portugal Marina Machete and Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kollé made history as the primary trans women representing their countries within the competition.  

Kollé, a 22-year-old model and LGBTQIA+ rights activist, has denounced the hate she received after being crowned Miss Netherlands in July. She now uses her platform to share messages of encouragement to trans people around the globe. “I see you all, I like you all. And I hope we will stay strong together,” Kollé wrote on Instagram after debuting on the Miss Universe competition.

Machete, a 23-year-old flight attendant, was crowned in October. In a video shared on her Instagram account, she referred to her victory as a dream come true and said she hopes to assist people change their minds about transgender women. “As a trans woman, I’ve been through many obstacles along the way in which. But fortunately, and particularly with my family, love proved to be stronger than ignorance,” she said. 

The Miss Universe Organization modified its rules to permit transgender contestants in 2012. In 2018, Miss Spain Ángela Ponce became the primary trans contestant within the competition. 

In October 2022, Thai transgender entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip purchased the Miss Universe Organization from IMG. Under Jakrajutatip’s ownership, the Miss Universe contest revised its rules, allowing moms, married people and divorcees to compete. 

Miss Guatemala Michelle Cohn and Miss Camila Avella became the primary married women and moms to enter the competition. ​​

Miss Nepal Jane Dipika Garrett became the primary plus-size model to turn into a delegate. The 22-year-old advocates for body positivity, mental health and hormonal issues. 

Miss Pakistan Erica Robin can be making history. Robin is the primary delegate from her country to hitch the Miss Universe competition.

“Once I learned that Miss Universe has finally opened up for Pakistani women, I do know I actually have to attempt to give it my best — because at some point — I feel I also can encourage thousands and thousands of ladies to push for his or her dreams and never be afraid and someday they also can say ‘if not now, when!’” Robin shared on Instagram. 

It’s been a yr of firsts for the Miss Universe Organization. On Wednesday, it revealed its first collaborative merchandise line, which features swimsuits that were also seen onstage throughout the 72nd Miss Universe competition. Produced under the name Miss Universe by Rubin Singer, the swimwear offering shall be available on Wednesday for preorder on missuniverse.com.

On Thursday, the 86 contestants of the Miss Universe stepped onstage again for the national costume show. The ultimate a part of the pageant shall be held in San Salvador on Saturday, when current Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel will crown her successor. Gabriel wears the Force for Good crown, created by the Lebanese jewelry company Mouawad. The piece is encrusted with diamonds and sapphires with 993 stones.

Former Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo and TV personality Jeannie Mai will host the competition with Maria Menounos, marking the primary time the pageant has had an exclusively all-female hosting team. The 72nd Miss Universe shall be streamed at 8 p.m. ET in English on The Roku Channel and in Spanish by Telemundo.