Miss Universe is Now Owned by a Thai Trans Woman

Miss Universe is now owned by a Thai trans woman by the name of Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, also known as Anne JKN. Miss Universe and two other pageants, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, were co-owned by NBC and Donald Trump. After Trump made racist remarks, NBC cut ties with him entirely, selling their part of the share. Trump promptly sold it away to Endeavor, a media and talent company, who from there sold it to Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip.

Anne JKN is one of the richest trans women in the world, and also has worked with Life Inspired For Transexuals (LIFT). LIFT is a nonprofit that “believes in equality for women and men, regardless of their gender at birth, to have equal opportunities in education, marriage, and employment and be accorded all civil rights in Thailand. We are dedicated to remove all gender-based barriers to allow transgenders (sic) in the Kingdom to develop their potential to the fullest and realize their personal visions and hopes.” They work hard to gain equity, such as working legally to change the gender titles of those who require it during their transition, de-stigmatizing the transgender community, and educating transgender individuals who require it. Thailand is generally a dangerous place to be if you are trans. Studies show that 8 out of 11 trans women, or 72%, are forced to turn to sex work to survive, while all of them face some discrimination in some form.

Anne JKN has a beautiful family which she proudly is pictured with on Instagram along with the caption, “Thank you everyone for your LOVE, Kindness and Enormous SUPPORT from around the World. ???? We love you too from the Heart of the Universe! ❤️”

This is the first time Miss Universe has been owned by a woman. Amy Emmerich and Paula Shugart will remain in their roles as Miss Universe CEO and Miss Universe President.

Photo courtesy of Anne JKN’s Instagram.