Miss Universe 2023 is seriously shaking things up! This time around, they’ve got a lineup that’s breaking all the old stereotypes. We’re talking two transgender contestants two moms, and guess what? The first-ever plus-size model has also stepped onto that stage to go for the crown.
Jane Dipika Garrett, repping Miss Nepal, is making history as the first plus-size model in the mix. At just 22, she wowed everyone during the prelims in El Salvador. People were loving her vibe on the runway!
But hold up, her joining the competition stirred up controversy. Jane’s part American and she’s all about promoting body positivity. In an interview with Hola she said, “As a curvy woman who doesn’t follow certain beauty standards, I’m here to represent all women.”
Her being in the Miss Universe spotlight? It’s like a victory lap for body positivity and making sure everyone feels seen, especially in Miss Nepal where past winners struggled with body image. Garrett opened up about her own journey. She said, “A few years ago, I was a very insecure person and had very low self-esteem. Now, I love myself, and that’s success to me.” She’s all about inclusivity. “As a curvy woman who doesn’t follow certain beauty standards, I’m here to represent all women. I think there’s not one way to be beautiful, every woman is beautiful just as they are.”
And more stereotypes are being broken today as Miss Portugal Marina Machete and Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kolle are the first trans women to compete in Miss Universe. Meanwhile, Miss Guatemala Michelle Cohn and Miss Camila Avella represented married women and mothers who were allowed to compete for the first time at Miss Universe.
