Marina Machete, the transgender who reached the semi-finals of Miss Universe

Miss Universe Portugal 2023, Marina Machete, Marina Machete, representing Portugal, competed in the semi-finals of the pageant, consisting of 20 candidates selected from a total of 84.

Marina, 28, was crowned the most beautiful woman in her country during the competition on October 5, 2023.

She works as a flight attendant and had previously tried unsuccessfully to participate in Miss Portugal. This year he managed to reach the final and win the title.

“Proud to be the first trans woman to compete for the title of Miss Universe Portugal. For years it was not possible for me to participate and today I am proud to be part of this incredible group of finalists,” Marina said in a post on her Instagram account.

She wasn’t the only one. Another transgender was in Miss Universe this year. This is Miss Netherlands, Rikkie Valerie Kolle, representative of the Netherlands, who won the pageant in her country last July at the age of 22.

The model and actress has said that she has faced difficulties in the past, including humiliation and ridicule for being uncomfortable with the gender she was born with, but she stated that she has always had the support of her family and had friends.

Before the ceremony, he wrote on Instagram that he is proud to have made ‘the rainbow family’ visible. He thanked his fans for their support and expressed his desire to continue sharing his story. “I’m not just here for myself, but for all those little Rikkies with their dreams and desires. I will always remain strong for those rights.”

Kolle also shared a video made together with Marina Machete, who he called his sister.

“Our presence shows the universe that this is just the beginning for all who reach for the stars.”