Bella Bautista makes history as first trans contestant in Miss Georgia USA

When Bella Bautista returned home to Georgia following the Miss International Queen USA pageant, a competition for transgender women, she was set to take on another challenge—this time with the potential to make history. In June, Bautista will be the inaugural trans woman to compete for the Miss Georgia USA title, according to ‘Rough Draft Atlanta’.

“I didn't think I would be accepted since a transgender contestant had never been part of the competition before,” Bautista mentioned to Georgia Voice. “Entering it, I felt uneasy, but I stayed true to myself and honest.”

Should Bautista win the title, she would again make history as the first Mexican American woman to be crowned Miss Georgia USA. However, the Miss Georgia USA stage may be distinct from Miss International Queen USA. Greenwood Productions, the organisation behind Miss Georgia USA, is led by a president married to Lee Greenwood, who performed “God Bless the USA” at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. With the unprecedented nature of Bautista's achievement, it remains uncertain how she will be received by judges and fellow contestants.

“I'm entering a space where I'm unsure of the treatment or reactions, but all I can do is hope and pray that I am treated equally and judged fairly,” Bautista expressed.

As a newcomer to pageants and a collegiate athlete, Bautista has used her platform to advocate for trans rights and inclusion in school sports before Congress and the Georgia legislature since the legislative session began this year. She intends to continue these efforts using the platform of Miss Georgia USA.

“I genuinely believe that pageantry empowers women to use their voices and titles to address causes important to them,” she said. “For me, these are trans topics, especially considering current events in our country. I believe it's crucial to use my voice not just to inspire personal change, but to inspire change for everyone.”

Until she graces the stage this summer, Bautista will use the next five months for preparation and ongoing advocacy.

“I'm committed to doing everything possible to present my best self on that stage,” she declared. “I'm determined to excel on the catwalk and aim to win the Miss Georgia USA sash.”

Miss Georgia USA 2025 is scheduled for June 12-14 in McDonough, GA. The titleholder will go on to represent Georgia in the Miss USA pageant.