Emily Austin, the American journalist, model, actress, NBA independent broadcaster and social media influencer, has recently become a topic of conversation due to her comments concerning the inclusion of transgender contestants in the Miss Universe pageant. As a judge in the Miss Universe 2022 pageant, Austin’s views have received significant attention.
Despite some confusion surrounding Austin’s own gender identity, it should be clarified that Austin is not transgender. Born to Israeli parents and raised on Long Island, she is a cisgender woman. The Miss Universe 2022 pageant, in which Austin was a judge, is owned by Anne Jakrajutatip, a billionaire from Thailand who is also a transgender woman.
Austin’s heated comments revolve around the acceptance of transgender participants in the Miss Universe pageant. She has criticised the Miss Universe organisation arguing it to be “an oxymoron” and “morally wrong” to “bring the power back to women”, while it is owned by a transgender woman.
This debate over whether trans women should compete in beauty pageants has been brought to the forefront by Austin’s comments. Some mistakenly assumed Austin to be a transgender woman herself, likely due to her vocal involvement in the debate, however, this is not the case.
Austin’s criticism of the Miss Universe organisation’s decision to allow transgender contestants has made headlines. She has specifically objected to the organisation’s ownership by a transgender woman, Anne Jakrajutatip. Jakrajutatip, a Thai media mogul and billionaire, acquired the rights to Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA for $20 million from IMG Media in 2022.
The response to Austin’s comments has been substantial, with many accusing her of being transphobic, insensitive and ignorant. During a recent appearance on the Fox Business Varney & Co. talk show, Austin expanded on her views, expressing concerns over Jakrajutatip’s company’s financial issues and the social and moral implications of the move.
This year’s Miss Universe pageant is notable for welcoming two transgender contestants, Miss Portugal and Miss Netherlands. Austin has voiced her strong opposition to their inclusion, arguing it undermines women’s empowerment. She believes that the inclusion of individuals transitioning from biological male to female in such competitions dilutes the very essence of women’s empowerment.
She further argues that a transgender woman’s life experiences may not align with those of a biological woman, thereby questioning the authenticity of their “feminine story”. Austin cites experiences like period cramps or participating in a pageant while menstruating as intrinsic aspects of femininity.
Austin’s standpoint is clear: she believes in maintaining boundaries in women’s industries and urges transgender individuals not to encroach on these domains. Her position has sparked fierce debate and continues to draw public attention.
