According to Portuguese media on Friday, a transgender woman won Miss Portugal for the first time and will compete with another transgender woman for the Miss Universe crown in El Salvador.
In Borba, in the district of southeast Evora, Marina Machete, a 28-year-old flight attendant, was named Miss Portugal on Thursday.
“Proud to be the first trans woman to compete for the title of Miss Universe Portugal,” she wrote on social media before winning the title.
“For years it was not possible for me to participate and today I am proud to be part of this incredible group of finalists,” she added.
Rikkie Kolle, a 22-year-old Dutchwoman, became the first transgender person to be crowned Miss Netherlands in July.
Machete and Kolle will succeed Angela Ponce of Spain, who made history in 2018 by running for the Miss Universe crown as the first transgender person.
