Who are the contestants for Miss Universe 2023: married candidates with children are participating for the first time, giving way to the inclusion of transgender candidates

The candidates for Miss Universe 2023 are in El Salvador, the host country of the 72nd edition of the beauty pageant, which will be held on November 18 at the José Adolfo Pineda National High School.

The candidates enjoy walking the main streets and squares of the historic center of San Salvador, while staying at the Real Intercontinental Hotel and preparing for activities before the coronation night.

So far, it is known that Telemundo is the channel that will broadcast live the final gala and the details of the preliminary competition before the meeting with the successor of the American R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022.

Married and transgender candidates for Miss Universe 2023

Since the organization of the pageant has passed into the hands of Thai businesswoman Anna Jakapong Jakrajutatip, new rules have been introduced to enable inclusion and highlight diversity.

That is why from this year Miss Universe has two candidates who are married and have children. They are: Camila Avella, candidate from Colombia, and Michelle Cohn, from Guatemala.

Likewise, the list of candidates for the crown includes two participants who were biologically born as men, according to Marca. They are Marina Machete from Portugal and Rikkie Valerie Kolle from the Netherlands.

The Spanish media adds that the 72nd edition of the competition will be the first time a representative of Pakistan will participate. It also reports on countries returning to the competition such as Zimbabwe, Norway, Bangladesh, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Ireland, New Zealand, Mongolia, Guyana and Egypt.

Contestants for Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador

El Comercio from Peru lists 77 confirmed participants in this pageant, although Spanish media count 86 candidates with the intention of becoming the new Miss Universe on November 18.

(AND)