The Miss Universe pageant, as we all know, is known to celebrate women from all cultures and backgrounds. However, this year, inclusivity also played a significant part in the contest. Not only did a woman of colour get crowned as Miss Universe 2019, but the pageant also featured an openly gay contestant for the very first time, that too hailing from a country where homosexuality is still criminalized!
21-year-old Swe Zin Htet competed as Miss Myanmar and made history by representing the LGBTQ community at a global level!
The Superman of Myanmar
Known to her fans as Superman, Htet came out as gay in an interview posted on a pageant forum, Missosology, where she was quoted as saying, “I believe that not all countries allow same-sex marriage. I want the world to accept the LGBTQ+ community and their right to choose their own path and pursuit of happiness. Love is the most powerful thing and people fall in love with human beings, not gender. We should always have the freedom of choice and promote equality”.
Later she even posted a photocollage on her Instagram profile with a rainbow flag and the word ‘Proud’ on it. Swe came out to her parents 5 years ago and was in a 3-year long relationship with singer Gae Gae. But it’s only now that she’s made her sexuality public.
Her coming out is all the more significant because as per a section of Myanmar’s penal code, gay sex is still a punishable offence with long prison sentences. But it’s heartwarming to see how her announcement was met with a flood of support both from Myanmar and the rest of the world!
Even Paula Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization, came out in support of Htet, telling People magazine, “We are honoured to give a platform to strong, inspirational women like Miss Universe Myanmar, who are brave enough to share their unique stories with the world. Miss Universe will always champion women to be proud of who they are.”
Inclusivity at the Pageant
The pageant appears to be laying greater emphasis on inclusivity and diversity as we saw Ms South Africa, Zozobini Tunzi getting crowned as Miss Universe. The Miss Universe Pageant has certainly come a long way since it’s inception in 1952. Especially in terms of inclusivity and diversity. We hope to see many more women of colour, varying sexuality and more diversity in the years to come!
Featured Image Source: Instagram/Swe_Zin Htet
