Bella Bautista, at just 22 years old, is set to make history as the first trans woman competing for the title of Miss Georgia USA. A former competitive cheer athlete and holder of the Miss Buckhead USA title, Bautista will participate in the contest this June. Although she initially felt uneasy about her inclusion due to her transgender identity, she remained authentic. Her concerns stem from the current political climate around transgender rights, particularly amidst the Trump's administration's anti-trans policies and its ties with the pageant's production company.
Going into it, I was very uneasy, but I was authentic and honest.
I'm going into a space where I'm not sure how the treatment or reaction is going to be, but all I can hope for and pray for is that I'm treated equally and I'm scored fairly.
Bautista's fears are not unwarranted given the connection between the Trump administration and the owners of Miss Georgia's production company.
Prior to getting a spot in the Miss Georgia USA, Bautista has spoken out for trans rights and against sports bans.
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