Praise for first trans woman to reach final of Miss Universe Mauritius pageant
September 4, 2024LGBTQ+ activists in Mauritius have praised Michelle Karla for being the first trans woman to make it to the finals of the Miss Universe Mauritius pageant on August 10.
According to ‘Washington Blade’, Karla was among the top 15 finalists striving for the crown, which was ultimately won by Tania Renée, a cisgender woman.
Hana Telvave, an LGBTQ+ activist, remarked, “Queer visibility has often been used against the LGBTQ community, and Karla’s participation in Miss Universe Mauritius, following the advances in transgender rights where trans people began to be positively represented, serves as a significant message and symbolizes an opportunity we have created for ourselves.” She emphasised the importance of supporting Karla to ensure she feels the community stands with her, especially in a climate that still promotes online transphobia and hate speech.
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Telvave noted that Karla’s involvement in the pageant sends a strong message of hope to other aspiring trans models. “We now have the chance to craft our own history and paths through significant opportunities where the nation can witness us perform, represent, and excel, thereby subtly initiating positive change,” Telvave added.
While acknowledging the Miss Universe organisation’s policy of allowing trans women to compete since 2012, Telvave pointed out, “It took a considerable time for a transgender woman to enter Miss Universe Mauritius, highlighting the disparity between our administrative and legal systems.” She added that this milestone provides hope but also underscores the need for further efforts in legal gender recognition to allow people to freely express their gender identity and pursue their ambitions.
Daniel Wong, another LGBTQ+ activist, described Karla’s participation as a representation of LGBTQ+ inclusion in society. He stated, “This is a genuine example of inclusion, highlighting the progress in advocating for equal civil rights for transgender individuals.” Wong applauded the Miss Universe Mauritius organisation for its bold move to support LGBTQ+ causes in Mauritius. However, he criticised the inadequate consultation with LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations in drafting the Gender Equality Bill aimed at prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity.
“Karla is the first trans woman employed in Mauritius's financial sector and is training to become the country’s first trans flight attendant,” Miss Universe Mauritius stated. She is also the vice treasurer of the Young Queer Alliance and has won multiple pageants, including Miss Fashion Mauritius 2015 and Miss Universe T International 2023/2024.
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled Article 250 of the country’s penal code unconstitutional last October, decriminalising consensual same-sex relations. This ruling also paved the way for the first Pride month in two years in Mauritius.
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