ATLANTA (WANF/Gray News) – For the first time, an openly transgender woman has announced her intention to compete for the Miss Georgia USA title.
The decision is sparking controversy, but Bella Bautista says she is optimistic about competing in the competition.
The Cartersville native is currently Miss Buckhead USA and is dreaming even bigger.
“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 2021, Kataluna Enriquez from Nevada made history when she became the first transgender woman to compete in the Miss USA pageant.
But not everyone has been accepting of Bautista’s journey to Miss Georgia — especially on social media.
“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,” Bautista said.
On Thursday, the Georgia legislature voted to move forward a bill that would bar transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
Bautista spoke out against the bill as she is a cheerleader.
“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.
But Bautista isn’t focused on the hate. She is getting ready for the competition she’s dreamed of for years.
“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,” she said.
A Mexican woman has also never won Miss Georgia before.
The competition is scheduled to start on June 12.
Bautista said she is focused on preparing speeches and walks in the coming months.
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