Body inclusivity, a burkini and other surprising firsts at Miss Universe 2023

And the Miss Universe 2023 crown goes to… Sheynnis Palacios, 23, of Nicaragua. Thailand’s Danish-Thai model Anntonia Porsild, 27, placed second, while the third place went to model Moraya Wilson, 22, from Australia. The annual beauty pageant was held in El Salvador’s capital San Salvador on Sunday (Nov 19).

The 72nd Miss Universe pageant saw 84 countries and territories compete, and was hosted by Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, TV personality Jeannie Mai and TV presenter Maria Menounos.

The judging panel was made up of model Halima Aden, Queer Eye star Carson Kressley, TikTok influencer Avani Gregg and two former Miss Universe winners, Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad & Tobago (Miss Universe 1977) and Iris Mittenaere of France (Miss Universe 2016).

But if you thought it was all simply swimsuits, evening gowns and “world peace”, there were also some firsts in this year’s event. Here’s a round-up:

Miss Nepal is the first body-inclusive contestant

Jane Dipika Garrett’s presence is a big win for all plus-sized women but the 22-year-old Kathmandu native isn’t done. The part-American model, nurse and business developer wants to use her platform to advocate for mental health, revealing that she has struggled with depression caused by polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS.

Miss Pakistan wore a burkini for the swimsuit segment

Erica Robin, 25, was the first woman to represent Pakistan and in a baby-pink burkini, no less. In her Miss Universe bio, the model said she has “received some backlash from different sectors of the community”.

But “despite these criticisms, I was ready to face any challenges ahead of me while maintaining my values as a young modern Pakistani woman, representing our rich culture and heritage, and showing the world that Pakistan can celebrate the success of women”. Robin placed in the top 20.

Miss Colombia is the first mother to compete

This wasn’t the first time journalist and mother Camila Avella, 28, took part in the pageant. She had participated in 2018 and decided to try again after the organisers announced that married women and mothers could compete in 2022. She placed top 5.

The first transgender Miss Portugal

Marina Machete, 28, is the first transgender Miss Portugal. "I'm most proud of the challenges I overcame with courage and strength, leading me to develop humanity and kindness towards others in my life,” the flight attendant wrote in her bio. FYI, Miss Spain Angela Ponce was the first transgender woman to compete at Miss Universe in 2018.