In 2021, Kataluna Enriquez made history as the first transgender woman to participate in a USA pageant. Now, Bella Bautista is set to become the first openly transgender woman to vie for the Miss Georgia USA title.
Hailing from Cartersville, GA, Bautista currently holds the title of Miss Buckhead USA and aspires to achieve even greater heights.
“I realized that this could genuinely become a reality for me. This dream could eventually materialize. Just because there hasn’t been a precedent in Georgia, I could be that pioneer,” Bautista expressed.
She acknowledges that her journey has faced challenges, particularly regarding public acceptance on social media.
“There were over a thousand comments within half an hour, with people asserting that I shouldn’t exist in this space, that I’m merely a man, that I’m mentally ill, and that I don’t belong in this pageant,” Bautista recounted.
In response to the Georgia legislature’s decision to advance a measure prohibiting transgender women from participating in women’s sports, Bautista, who is also a cheerleader, voiced her concerns.
“It’s disheartening to see elected officials undermining my civil rights and my chance for happiness, as being a cheerleader brings me joy,” she stated.
According to WAFF48, Bautista remains undeterred by the negativity directed at her. She is dedicating her time to preparing her speeches and rehearsing her walks for the upcoming competition.
“I’m simply going to register. I will hope for the best and trust that I will be treated and scored fairly,” she remarked.
The competition is scheduled to commence on June 12, 2025.
