USNews Article 2012: Trump’s “Good Call” On Transgender Miss Universe Contestant

(THECOUNT) — The following is from an April, 4, 2012, article posted to USnews website by Senior Writer, Susan Milligan that bore the headline “Donald Trump’s Good Call on the Transgender Miss Universe Contestant.”

Even though Milligan makes no bones about wishing she could “ridicule” the then-owner of the then-popular beauty contest, she begrudgingly admits that the current President of the United States, made a “good call” when it came to his decision on transgender Miss Universe Canada contestant, Jenna Talackova.

The following is from the 2012 article. Read the full article at the source link at the bottom of this page.

AS FUN AS IT CAN BE TO ridicule Donald Trump (and he helps by consistently providing material), the CEO of self-promotion deserves positive recognition for a recent decision involving the Miss Universe contest.

Perhaps, even in the 21st century, there are still little girls who dream of growing up to be a beauty queen. Jenna Talackova, the Miss Universe Canada contestant, didn’t—because she was a boy when she was a child. The stunning Talackova is now a woman, having gone through transgender surgery and treatment, and is competing for the Canadian crown in the Miss Universe contest. Talackova was initially rejected by pageant officials because of her transgender status, but the organization (which Trump heads) has reversed its decision, saying the 23-year-old could compete as long as she meets the “legal gender recognition” standards of Canada. Trump himself issued a statement wishing Talackova “the best of luck in her quest for the crown.”

But that wasn’t enough for celebrity attorney Gloria Allred, whose attraction to the camera is almost as strong as Trump’s. Allred—who can turn any case into a feminist manifesto, unfortunately diminishing the legitimate concerns raised by real victims of harassment or discrimination—couldn’t take yes for an answer. As she told the media this week:

Jenna entered this competition and gave the pageant her time, her best efforts, and her money. She did not think for one moment that what she might have looked like at birth would be relevant. She did not ask Mr. Trump to prove that he is a naturally-born man, or to see the photos of his birth, to view his anatomy, to prove that he was male. It made no difference to her. Why should it have made a difference to him?

Fair points, if Trump were still saying no. But Talackova is going to compete. She won her case and can now try to win the pageant. Was Allred just annoyed that she didn’t have a chance to make some reference to Trump’s reproductive organs? When you win, you cash your check and go home.

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