Jenna Talackova: Canadian Transgender To Compete In Miss Universe Canada
The Miss Universe Competition, which is owned by Donald Trump, seems to have reversed its decision on whether transgender competitor Jenna Talackova will be able to compete. The Pageant says that she will be able to compete with certain provisios.
Michael D. Cohen, executive vice president and special counsel to Donald Trump, who owns the competition, said in an e-mailed statement Monday evening.
“The Miss Universe Organization will allow Jenna Talackova to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant provided she meets the legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, and the standards established by other international competitions,”
Talackova had hired all-star feminist lawyer Gloria Allred to represent her and the two had scheduled a press conference for today.
A press release for the gathering said,
“Ms. Allred will discuss why Jenna should be permitted to compete and what action she plans to take in the United States on behalf of Ms. Talackova if the Miss Universe Pageant refuses to change its discriminatory rule.”
A source tells PEOPLE magazine that the competition “is extending invitation/waiver to Jenna, and they’re working on full inclusion for future contestants for 2013.”
Talackova was born male but has identified as a female since age 4. She began hormone therapy at 14 and underwent gender reassignment surgery at 19.
Herndon Graddick, a spokesperson for GLAAD, one of the nation’s premiere organization for gay, lesbian and transgender advocacy said in a statement,
“The Miss Universe Organization made the right decision and has taken an important first step. Now, GLAAD urges the Organization to include all women and use this incident to speak out in support of the transgender community. So many women today do not have equal opportunities for employment, housing and safety simply because they are transgender. The Miss Universe Organization should look to state non-discrimination laws and institutions including the Olympics, NCAA and The CW’s America’s Next Top Model, which do not discriminate against transgender women.”
Jenna Talackova says that since she announced she was being removed from the competition she was overwhelmed with support.
