Bella Bautista, 22, is set to make history as the first transgender contestant at this year’s Miss Georgia USA pageant. A former winner of Miss Buckhead USA 2022, she will compete in June despite uncertainty about how she will be received.
Bautista’s participation comes at a time when there are ongoing debates about transgender athletes in sports. She was unsure if she would be accepted, given recent policies restricting transgender athletes. “I’m stepping into a space where I don’t know how I’ll be treated, but I just hope for fairness,” she told Georgia Voice.
She has been vocal about transgender representation in sports. Last month, she testified before the Georgia Senate against a bill that would ban transgender athletes from competing in school sports. The bill, named after swimmer Riley Gaines, was passed despite her efforts.
Bautista joins a growing number of transgender contestants in Miss USA competitions. Kataluna Enriquez became the first transgender woman to compete at the national level after winning Miss Nevada USA in 2021. Bailey Anne Kennedy followed, winning Miss Maryland USA in 2023.
The Miss USA pageant has faced controversy in recent years. Last year’s winner, Noelia Voigt, resigned from her title, citing concerns about her well-being. After she stepped down, Savannah Ganziewicz, who won Miss Hawaii, was named as the new winner.
Voigt’s resignation made headlines when people noticed the first letter of each sentence in her statement spelled out “I AM SILENCED.” Her fellow contestants supported her, urging the organization to let her speak freely.
Shortly after, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also resigned, saying her values no longer aligned with the pageant. A third person, the pageant’s social media manager, also quit, criticizing the work environment.
While transgender participation in Miss USA continues to spark debate, the pageant itself has also dealt with internal challenges. Bautista’s participation adds another layer to the ongoing discussions about inclusion, fairness, and the future of beauty competitions.
