Jenna Talackova a Finalist for Miss Universe Canada
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - 4:40pm by Aaron McQuade, Director of News and Field Media at GLAAD
http://www.glaad.org/blog/jenna-talackova-finalist-miss-universe-canadaJenna Talackova has been officially listed among the sixty-two national finalists scheduled to compete in the upcoming Miss Universe Canada competition. The winner of the competition will go on to represent Canada at the Miss Universe 2012 pageant in December. As a transgender woman, Jenna was initially denied the opportunity to compete, but after working with GLAAD, the Miss Universe Organization reversed its decision, allowing Jenna back into the competition. The organization and its owner Donald Trump also announced policy changes that will allow transgender women to compete.
The LGBT community has praised the Miss Universe organization for its decision. GLAAD President Herndon Graddick also commented on the change, saying, "Jenna and all of the LGBT advocates who have called for this change and spoken out in support of transgender women are to be commended. At a time when transgender people are still routinely denied equal opportunities in housing, employment and medical care, today's decision is in line with the growing levels of public support for transgender people across the country."
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Jenna Talackova: "I'm in it to win"
May 15, 2012. 6:14 pm • Section: Trans Talk
Posted by: Jillian Page
http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2012/05/15/jenna-talackova-im-in-it-to-win/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitterTORONTO — Miss Universe Canada contestant Jenna Talackova feels like she's already triumphed by earning the chance to compete at this weekend's pageant. But make no mistake: she also plans on making a serious run for the ultimate prize.
Jenna Talackova said Tuesday morning that the beauty competition will be "a great battle" and that she's "in it to win it."
