Transgender contestant doesn't win Miss Universe Canada, still in the spotlight
May 21, 2012
Miss Universe Canada took place over the weekend, and Sahar Biniaz of Vancouver was crowned victorious. While the winner was the center of attention at the event, another Vancouver contestant is still standing proudly in the limelight. Jenna Talackova turned heads a few months ago, when the contestant became the first openly transgendered person to enter the national pageant.
"She's still a winner as far as I'm concerned," Talackova's lawyer Gloria Allred told the Canadian Press. "She won an 'herstoric' civil rights victory and that I think is frankly more important than anything, any victory she would win, even representing Miss Canada."
While Talackova did not with the crown at the Miss Universe Canada pageant, her ground-breaking participation has earned her fame. The Chronicle Herald reports Talackova will use her celebrity to inspire other transgender individuals to follow their dreams. She also wants to pursue modeling, acting and even writing a book.
Those who want to find out about the pageant and Talackova can make calls to Canada with international phone cards to talk to their friends.