In today’s world, where diversity is often celebrated, the Miss Universe pageant has taken steps toward being more inclusive by welcoming a transgender contestant and a woman with a naturally full figure into the top 20 finalists for 2023. However, their absence in the later rounds—the top 10—sparks a debate on whether the pageant truly embraces the mosaic of human uniqueness.

This piece reflects on the contrast between the pageant’s initial celebration of diversity and the more traditional choices it makes as the competition narrows. This pattern of choosing beauty contestants shows a common struggle in our society: we often applaud diversity in theory, yet we hesitate to put it into action. Looking at it this way, I question whether our gestures toward inclusivity are just symbolic or if we are truly starting to change how we think about beauty.

I believe that real progress isn’t just about letting diverse people in the door; it’s about lifting them up and rejoicing in the variety of beauty they bring. I call for a wider representation, urging beauty pageants to set a new standard by truly valuing every form of beauty.

This commentary is an invitation to keep the conversation going well past the event itself, challenging us all to think differently about beauty standards and to promote a world where every individual is not only seen but celebrated.

Raised in the multicultural environment of Aruba, educated in the Netherlands, and having spent a few years in Curaçao, I have experienced the intersection of diverse cultures. Our native language, Papiamento, reflects the fusion of heritages that shape our island, while our Dutch-based education system adds another layer to our complex cultural identity. My multilingual and multicultural background has heightened my awareness of the nuances in perception and underscored the importance of inclusive stories. Tourism, the cornerstone of our economy, encourages the continuous interchange of cultural ideas and deepens the valuation of diversity. As an art teacher, I empower my students to move beyond clichés. It is this understanding that I bring to the ongoing discussion about the Miss Universe pageant’s commitment to diversity.