The Miss Universe fever is far from over! We recently just crowned our newest queen of the Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark. We also met the Continental Queens, which include our very own Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo as the first-ever Miss Universe Asia. But the 2025 queens are already starting their journey to the crown as early as now, like the Miss Universe Philippines-Pampanga 2025 candidates. Among them is Keylyn Trajano, the first ever transwoman beauty queen to join the pageant.

Who is Keylyn Trajano?

Key is among the 16 official candidates of Miss Universe-Pampanga 2025. The regional pageant took to social media to share the contestants’ official portraits along with a few fast facts about them. Writing, “Keyleyn Trajano, proudly representing her Kapampangan roots, makes history as the first transwoman to compete in Miss Universe Pampanga 2025. A successful model, entrepreneur, and advocate, she champions inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment.” As of writing, the post has ammassed 4,000 reactions. Key is set to represent Siñura, Municipality of Porac.

Meanwhile, Key took to her personal social media to officially announce her bid for the Miss Universe Philippines-Pampanga crown. She wrote, “It’s finally out! Officially Day 1 of our journey and responsibilities as an aspiring Miss Universe Philippines-Pampanga 2025 Queener.”

Key adds, “I have been constantly told to stop breaking the system, have been rejected numerous times, and finally, I am here!” Speaking about how she simply doesn’t give up on her dreams, even when others have doubted her and presented with challenges, she shares, “I know my purpose and that is to be a Beauty Queen with a TRUE PURPOSE.”

Pageant queens were quick to send Key some love and support, including Miss Grand International First Runner-Up CJ Opiaza and fellow trans beauty queen Miss International Queen 2022 Fuschia Anne Ravena.

Key previously joined Century Tuna Superbods in 2020—and she made history as the first transwoman to join the competition—and more recently in 2024.

The Rules Of Miss Universe Philippines On Transwomen Candidates

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization is yet to release a comment. In 2023, Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee, explained why the Philippines was not yet accepting transwomen applicants even if the Miss Universe Organization allows it. “It’s a very tricky question. Because Miss Universe allows transwomen to join the international competition but it says there that they have to be female in their legal documents. Including [their] passport.”

She added, “But the Philippines, right now, does not allow a change in your gender in your legal documents. It’s not legal in the Philippines. So, until it becomes legalized in the Philippines, we cannot accept [transwomen applicants]. Because you have to have the documents that says that [you are a female].” As of writing, they have not yet released any updated statements.