Transgendered woman from B.C. gets another shot at Miss Universe title
VANCOUVER - A transgendered woman from Vancouver will get another chance to compete for the title of Miss Universe Canada.
The pageant has announced that Jenna Talackova, who was kicked out of the beauty contest last month after admitting she was born a male, can compete in the May 19 event.
A statement posted on the pageant's website late Monday says Talackova can participate "provided she meets the legal gender recognition requirements of Canada."
The pageant says she must also meet the standards established by other international competitions.
The decision to drop Talackova from the pageant led to charges of discrimination and fostered an online petition signed by more than 40,000 people calling for her reinstatement.
Officials with Miss Universe Canada denied the discrimination claims, saying the rules established by the Miss Universe franchise state each contestant must be a "naturally born female."
