Miss Universe Puerto Rico’s Latest Contestant
Miss Universe Puerto Rico has introduced its second biological male contestant this year. On Wednesday, the announcement came that Gabriel Rodriguez Velasquez, a transgender model, will be competing for the crown.
Rodriguez Velasquez, who hails from Sidra, joins the ranks of contestants aiming for the Miss Universe Puerto Rico title. This report indicates that he is the second male to participate, following Daniela Arroyo González, who became the first transgender contestant in 2023.
One user on X commented, “A transgender man competing to become Miss Universe Puerto Rico.” They shared a promotional video, noting that Rodriguez Velasquez identifies as a woman and hopes to win the competition in 2026 after qualifying in 2023.
However, reactions have been mixed. One user expressed frustration, stating, “Men replacing women in women-only spaces is a really tired and common scam.” Others have shared similar sentiments, with one suggesting, “If they want to have a contest like this, they should give an award to the plastic surgeon who created this.” Another proposed consideration for a separate competition for transgender individuals.
In a somewhat related note, in December 2022, Thai transgender businessman Ang Jakaphon Jakrajutatip purchased the Miss Universe organization for $20 million after facing legal issues in Thailand. This figure has been crucial in the organization’s evolution.
Interestingly, the Miss Universe pageant has allowed men identifying as women to compete since 2012, officially starting this policy in the 2013 season. In another twist, the pageant only began permitting married women and mothers to enter in 2022—a decade after transgender individuals were allowed.
Puerto Rico is set to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Miss Universe in November at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelo, more commonly known as El Choriceo, according to organizers. If Rodriguez Velasquez wins, she will go on to represent Puerto Rico in the Miss Universe pageant in 2026.
