Bella Bautista is about to make history. The Cartersville native is set to become the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Miss Georgia USA pageant, a milestone that comes with both excitement and intense scrutiny. Despite the backlash, she is focused on representing herself with confidence and grace.
Breaking Barriers in the Pageant World
Bautista’s entry into Miss Georgia USA is part of a broader shift in beauty pageants across the country. In 2021, Kataluna Enriquez became the first transgender contestant to compete in Miss USA, opening doors for others like Bautista.
She is currently Miss Buckhead USA, but she has her sights set on a larger goal. “I was like, this could honestly be a true reality for me. This dream could one day come true. And just because there hasn’t been a first in Georgia, I could be that first,” she said in an interview.
The Miss Georgia USA competition is a stepping stone to Miss USA, and eventually, Miss Universe. While transgender women have been allowed to compete in Miss Universe since 2012, representation has remained rare. Bautista’s participation is another step toward inclusivity in an industry that has long been defined by traditional beauty standards.
Facing Public Scrutiny and Online Backlash
With visibility comes criticism. The moment news broke about Bautista’s participation, social media erupted with mixed reactions. Some users expressed support, but others were less welcoming.
“It had over a thousand comments in less than 30 minutes of people saying that I shouldn’t be in this world, that I’m just a man, that I’m mentally ill, that I don’t belong in this pageant,” she said.
Online negativity is something many public figures face, but for transgender women, the attacks can be especially personal and cruel. Despite this, Bautista remains undeterred. “I’m just going to sign up. I’m going to wish for the best and hopefully, that I am treated fairly and scored fairly as well.”
The Political Landscape and Its Impact
Bautista’s pageant participation isn’t happening in a vacuum. In Georgia, legislation targeting transgender rights has been a hot-button issue. Recently, the state legislature moved forward with efforts to bar transgender women from competing in women’s sports. Bautista, a cheerleader, has been vocal about her disappointment.
“It’s heartbreaking to know that the elected officials are stripping away my civil rights and opportunity for happiness because being a cheerleader makes me happy,” she said.
The debate over transgender inclusion in sports, pageants, and other gender-specific spaces continues to fuel national conversations. While some argue for traditional definitions of competition categories, others advocate for equal opportunities for transgender individuals. Bautista’s presence in the Miss Georgia USA pageant highlights how these discussions are playing out beyond athletics.
Preparing for the Competition Despite the Noise
With the pageant approaching, Bautista is keeping her focus on what matters most: preparing for competition day. She has been working on her speeches, perfecting her runway walk, and refining every detail needed to present her best self on stage.
Pageantry is about more than physical beauty—it requires confidence, poise, and the ability to command a room. Bautista hopes to demonstrate that she belongs on that stage just as much as any other contestant.
Winning Miss Georgia USA would be historic, but regardless of the outcome, Bautista’s participation alone is already significant. She is setting a precedent for future transgender contestants in Georgia and beyond. And while the path hasn’t been easy, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of a crown—and a more inclusive future.
