December 10, 2019
Miss Universe Pageant Has First Openly Gay Contestant
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
It's a crime to be LGBTQ in Myanmar, but the Miss Universe contestant from that nation courageously came out in a recent interview, reports CNN.
Swe Zin Htet, 21, granted the interview after she arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, but before she competed in the pageant. Ms. Htet told the beauty news site Missology that she was gay, and added:
"I want the world to accept the LGBTQ+ community and their right to choose their own path and pursuit of happiness.
"We should always have the freedom of choice and promote equality."
Missology published the interview on Nov. 29.
Ms. Htet also recalled her parents' reaction to the news was, initially, one of anger. However, she added, "when they found out more about the LGBTQ community, they started to accept me."
CNN reports that the day after the interview, Ms. Htet posted photos at Instagram that included a portrait of herself with the Miss Myanmar crown, as well as a rainbow decal and the word PROUD.
India Today reported on Ms. Htet's public emergence as a lesbian, quoting the contestant as saying:
"I came to a full realization about my sexual orientation over a long period of time. I knew I was 'one of them' way back in 2015. It is personally quite challenging but I feel that I have a greater voice and the best position to promote this cause. Some pageant fans know about it and they still support me but this is the first time I am able to talk about it in public."
CNN noted that while Myanmar does not vigorously enforce its colonial-era anti-LGBTQ laws, but when it does men convicted under those laws can face steep jail time. Meantime, "Social prejudices remain strong, with many LGBTQ people facing domestic abuse and violence, as well as discrimination in the workplace," CNN related.
The pageant offered its official support to the contestant, with Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart saying in a statement' target='_blank'>
"We are honored 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."
Ms. Htet did not make it to the top 20, but fans offered their support and praise all the same, with posts to her Instagram account.
South African contestant Zozbini Tunzi won the 2019 edition of the pageant. her win completed a quartet of 2019 beauty pageant crownings that saw black women win Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA, as well as Miss Universe.
