Transgender Model To Compete In Miss Universe Canada

A Miss Universe Canada contestant has been re-instated into the competition after being kicked out last week for being transgender.

23-year old Jenna Talackova was one of 65 finalists in the prestigious competition before she was stripped of her place and disqualified for being born male.

The decision grabbed the attention of human right activists, who warned the Donald Trump founded organisation that “discrimination is prohibited based on being transgendered”.

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As a result, the Miss Universe organisation released a statement yesterday saying Talackova was now allowed to compete in the competition provided she meets the “legal gender recognition requirements" of Canada, and the standards established by other international competitions.

“(Donald) Trump has caved in a bit already,” said Talackova’s lawyer, Gloria Allred. “He has to go the rest of the way and say it loudly, and say it clearly, that not only will Jenna be allowed to compete, but that the rule is gone - no ifs, ands, buts or ors. No conditions and no excuses.”

While the Miss Universe conditions of entry state that contestants must be between the ages of 18 - 27, the organisation has failed to put any rules into place regarding transgender entrants, a loophole Talackova hopes will put an end to the discrimination.

“I wish Mr. Trump would just say in plain words whether or not I will be allowed to compete, and if I win, whether I’d be allowed to represent Canada in the Miss Universe competition,” she said. “I also want Mr. Trump to clearly state that this rule be eliminated, because I do not want any other woman to suffer the discrimination that I have endured.”

Canadian lawyer Joseph Arvay, who said the issue was “gobbledygook” has reportedly been given instruction to begin legal proceedings against pageant organisers on these grounds.

“(Talackova) understandably realises that her case could be a significant landmark for the dignity and liberty of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) citizens everywhere,” he said.

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