TORONTO—History will be made when the Miss Universe Canada contest kicks off tonight. For the first time ever, the pageant will include a transgendered contestant, Jenna Taleakova, a 23-year-old blonde from Vancouver who was originally booted from the pageant because she was not born a male. It took the intervention of Donald Trump to get her reinstated.
"It all starts tonight with a swimwear and evening gown contest in front of a panel of 15 judges and a live audience in downtown Toronto," reported CTV News. "The panel includes designers Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan of HGTV's Home Heist, The Kennedys actress Kristin Booth and singer Kreesha Turner."
Talackova, who underwent sex reassignment surgery when she was 19 despite knowing she was female from the age of four, said earlier this week that she is "in it to win," but during publicity events earlier this week she said that no matter what happens, it's been worth it.
"If it works out, then great. If not, I’m so proud of myself,” said the 6'1'' beauty, who conspicuously towers over her co-contestants during photo shoots.
Currently a student at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, with dreams of one day opening an organic restaurant, Talackova is more than cognizant of what her participation in the pageant means.
“I’ve set a precedent for a lot of women in my situation so once I step on that stage every woman in every other country that doesn’t have the option I have now can fight for it,' she said. "I feel so blessed with this opportunity."
For more on Miss Universe Canada, go here.
