A wave of protest has surged in Italy as trans men respond to Miss Italy’s controversial ban on trans women participating in the renowned beauty contest. The decision was announced by the pageant’s patron, Patrizia Mirigliani, who asserted that only “women from birth” would be eligible for the competition. This move was a reaction to the historic crowning of Rikkie Valerie Kollé as Miss Netherlands, the first trans woman to claim the title.
In a media statement, Mirigliani denounced the idea of including trans women in beauty contests, dismissing it as “absurd” and refusing to embrace what she referred to as the “glittery bandwagon of trans activism.” However, her remarks triggered a powerful response from the trans community, particularly trans men, who saw an opportunity to challenge the discriminatory stance.
Federico Barbarossa, a prominent trans activist, articulated his decision to apply for Miss Italy as a natural response to the exclusionary regulation. “I was assigned female at birth, but I’ve always felt like a boy,” he shared with Italian newspaper la Repubblica. “We hope that this gesture will spark the media attention necessary to shed light on these issues and prompt many other ‘women at birth’ to register en masse, exposing the antiquated nature of these positions and their conflict with Italian law. It’s absurd that they would reject me for being a boy while rejecting a trans girl for not being considered a woman.”
Following Barbarossa’s lead, other trans men, such as Elia Bonci, stepped forward to challenge the transphobic restrictions. He expressed, “Fighting transphobia is intersectional, and even though I’m not a trans woman, I’ve decided to fight for their rights.” Bonci emphasized that Miss Italy is not merely a beauty contest but a part of Italy’s cultural heritage. The ban, he argued, ultimately erases trans women from history and denies their existence.
While Miss Italy’s “women from birth” comment may seem ambiguous, it inadvertently allowed female-born trans men to register, fueling the enthusiasm for inclusion among the trans community. Bonci encouraged all trans individuals to embrace their candidacy, expressing a desire to witness the expressions of those examining their requests, particularly when confronted with the striking presence of confident and handsome trans men.
The courage and determination displayed by trans men in challenging this exclusionary policy signal a turning point. In a world that is becoming increasingly inclusive, the era of transphobic attitudes without consequences is unmistakably waning. The resounding message from this inclusive protest is clear: trans rights are human rights, and the fight for equality knows no bounds. Miss Italy’s refusal to adapt to this progressive mindset risks alienating a significant portion of its potential participants and supporters, leaving an indelible mark on the competition’s legacy.
