A transgender woman is controversially set to take the stage at this year’s Miss Georgia USA Pageant.

Bella Bautista who is a former winner of Miss Buckhead will become the first ever trans contestant at the Georgia event when it’s held in June.

The beauty queen’s participation comes amid President Trump’s crackdown on trans athletes being given the chance to compete in sports under their non-biological gender, which Bautista told Georgia Voice.

Bautista has been very vocal about her participation since day one. She has supported many trans stars including those in the world of sport as she feels everyone should be given a fair chance.

The 22 year old will join the growing list of trans contestants in Miss USA pageants with Kataluna Enriquez becoming the first person to compete at the national championship after winning the 2021 Miss Nevada USA.

Bailey Anne Kennedy went on to win the Miss USA Maryland last year, however, trans beauty queens’ participation has sparked serious controversy in recent times. Many expressed fury at the decision and feel a bill should soon come into play to prevent trans individuals from taking part.