A transgender woman has won the title of Miss Portugal for the first time and will compete for the title of Miss Universe in El Salvador with another transgender woman, Miss Netherlands, Portuguese media reported on Friday.
Marina Machete, a 28-year-old flight attendant, was also the first candidate for the title of Miss Portugal, which was awarded to her on Thursday in Borba, in the Evora (southeast) region.
“Proud to be the first trans woman to compete for the title of Miss Universe Portugal,” she wrote on social networks before winning this beauty pageant.
“For years I was unable to participate, and today I am proud to be part of this incredible group of finalists” vying for the title of Miss Portugal, she added.
In July, 22-year-old Dutchwoman Rikkie Kollé became the first transgender woman to win the title of Miss Netherlands.
Marina Machete and Rikkie Kollé will succeed Spain’s Angela Ponce, who became the first transgender candidate for the title of Miss Universe in 2018.