For the first time in its 70-year history, Miss Universe Singapore has a transgender woman among its finalists. Qatrisha Zairyah, a fashion advisor, has broken new ground by making it to the final 15 women who will compete on 22 September. The winner will represent Singapore at the Miss Universe 2024 event in Mexico City this November.
Zairyah’s journey to this momentous occasion has been marked by resilience and passion. In a heartfelt social media post, she reflected on her past struggles, including difficulties in paying rent, and emphasized her commitment to social causes like tackling homelessness. “This is why the Home for Change campaign is so important to me,” she shared. “I am confident I can work effectively with society to make a meaningful impact.”
Elaine Daly, the national director of Miss Universe Singapore, expressed pride in the diversity and success of this year’s contestants. The inclusion of Zairyah marks a significant step toward greater representation and inclusivity within the competition. “We have seen more entrants with different backgrounds and achievements, and this has encouraged more women to participate for the first time,” Daly noted.
Zairyah, no stranger to the beauty pageant scene, was the runner-up at last year’s Miss International Queen in Thailand. Now, with her eyes set on representing her community on the global Miss Universe stage, she reflects on the impact of trailblazers like Miss Spain Angela Ponce, the first transgender woman to compete at Miss Universe in 2018. “I cried when I saw Angela on stage,” Zairyah said, acknowledging how Ponce paved the way for more trans women to participate in such platforms.
Zairyah’s participation in the Miss Universe Singapore finals is more than just a personal victory; it symbolizes a broader shift towards inclusivity and representation in the beauty industry. Her presence in the competition sends a powerful message of hope and empowerment to transgender individuals not just in Singapore, but across Asia and the world. Her journey underscores the importance of visibility and the ongoing fight for equality in all spheres of life.
