GLAAD approves Miss Universe Organization’s announcement on behalf of transgender contestant

The Miss Universe Organization takes a first step towards including transgender women in the iconic pageant contest/Source: Miss Universe Organization

After initiating talks with the Miss Universe Organization last week in response to the group’s disqualification of transgender contestant Jenna Talackova, GLAAD released a statement today applauding what it termed “an important first step” toward gender equality after the organization moved to retract Talackova’s disqualification from the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant.

In a recent statement, the Miss Universe Organization announced that it would permit Jenna Talackova to compete as a contestant in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant, pending her qualification for gender recognition requirements under Canadian law and as established by other international competitions. The announcement came nearly one week after GLAAD representatives reached out to the organization urging a review of Talackova’s situation and a more inclusive approach to transgender contestants.

GLAAD spokesperson Herndon Graddick responded to the news by stating that the Miss Universe Organization “made the right decision,” and encouraging the group to instate policies to include all women and show support for the transgender community.

Graddick cited the many areas in today’s society in which transgender women lack equal career, housing and safety opportunities, and pointed out exemplary groups (including the NCAA and America’s Next Top Model) that currently stand against gender discrimination. He added that the Miss Universe Organization “should look to state non-discrimination laws” and set an example alongside other inclusive groups on behalf of gender equality.

Short URL: http://lgbtweekly.com/?p=22701

Posted by LGBT Weekly on Apr 3, 2012. Filed under Top Highlights. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry