The Miss Italy pageant, one of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the world, has come under fire for its decision to exclude transgender contestants. The pageant’s organizers have stated that they only allow “women from birth” to compete, a definition that excludes transgender women.

The decision has been met with criticism from many, including transgender rights advocates and Miss Netherlands 2023, Rikkie Valerie Kolle, who was the first transgender woman to win a major beauty pageant in Europe. Kolle called the decision “discriminatory” and said that it “sends the wrong message to young people.”

Others have pointed out that the decision is out of step with the times. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to increase inclusivity in beauty pageants, with several pageants now allowing transgender contestants. In 2018, Miss Universe became the first major international pageant to allow transgender contestants.

**The Miss Italy pageant’s decision has also been criticized for being hypocritical. The pageant has a long history of changing its rules to reflect changing social norms. For example, in 2012, the pageant banned contestants who had undergone plastic surgery. However, the pageant’s organizers have said that they will not change their rules to allow transgender contestants.

The Miss Italy pageant’s decision to exclude transgender contestants has been met with widespread criticism. The decision is out of step with the times and sends the wrong message to young people. It is also hypocritical, given the pageant’s history of changing its rules to reflect changing social norm