When R'Bonney Gabriel won Miss Universe 2022, she was asked this question: "Miss Universe recently made an exclusive change allowing mothers and married women to compete this year. What other change would you like to see and why?" Her response was, "For me, I would like to see an age increase because I'm 28 years old, and that is the oldest age to compete. I think it's a beautiful thing. My favorite quote is, 'If not now, then when?' As a woman, I believe that age does not define us. It's not tomorrow, it's not yesterday, but now. The time is now that you can go after what you want." This statement contributed to her victory.
Most people thought the age limit would be increased to 30 because some women can still compete at that age. However, people were shocked when Miss Universe announced that the age limit for the pageant is now 18 years old and above—no more age limit. This means your mom, your grandma, or even your great grandma can now join this pageant. This news inspired two senior women to finally try to make their dreams come true, as many people think it's too late.
Speaking of Latin America, Iris Amelia Alioto is determined to become the oldest Miss Universe winner ever at the age of 72. This dance teacher, translator, actress, and model wants to challenge the status quo and traditional notions of beauty. And yes, this 72-year-old is willing to compete in the swimsuit competition. She's the first senior to compete in Miss Argentina. All these women want to prove that age is just a number and that it's not too late to reach for their dreams of becoming a beauty queen.
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Opinions on the inclusivity announcement are mixed. Some view it positively, arguing that removing age limits in a competition highlighting women's beauty and intelligence is a step forward. This change allows for a more diverse representation of beauty and intellect across different age groups. On the flip side, there are those who disagree, noting that there are existing pageants for older and married women. They argue that age divisions serve a purpose, suggesting that older women might not have the same energy as those in their early 20s.
There's also concern about footwear choices, specifically whether contestants will wear stilettos, blocky heels, or flats. In pageants for women in their 40s, blocky heels are often preferred for comfort reasons. Health concerns related to footwear choices are also being raised.
Despite these challenges, winning local pageants remains a prerequisite for the two women to advance to the Miss Universe competition. The idea of elderly women participating is floated, drawing parallels to the precedent set by trans women competing in the pageant.
Notwithstanding the unfavorable feedback, these two women appear unaffected by their detractors. Their focus remains on encouraging women their age, delivering the message that they may still pursue their aspirations and demonstrate their abilities despite society expectations or age-related stereotypes.[/embed]
Most people thought the age limit would be increased to 30 because some women can still compete at that age. However, people were shocked when Miss Universe announced that the age limit for the pageant is now 18 years old and above—no more age limit. This means your mom, your grandma, or even your great grandma can now join this pageant. This news inspired two senior women to finally try to make their dreams come true, as many people think it's too late.
Grannies wants to compete in Miss Universe 2024
From the Philippines, Jocelyn Cubales from Quezon City is now competing at Miss Quezon City Philippines Universe at the age of 69. Despite her age, she's not discouraged to compete against women old enough to be her daughters and grandchildren. She is not a newcomer to pageants, having previously competed in Mrs. pageants like Mrs. World and others for married women. Given the opportunity to compete at the biggest pageant on earth, she decided not to let go of her broken dreams. Jocelyn was originally a model, actress, and also a doctor of alternative medicine. Despite her achievements, she wants to break the glass ceiling for women her age, gaining attention from Latin American media and being interviewed by various outlets in the region.Speaking of Latin America, Iris Amelia Alioto is determined to become the oldest Miss Universe winner ever at the age of 72. This dance teacher, translator, actress, and model wants to challenge the status quo and traditional notions of beauty. And yes, this 72-year-old is willing to compete in the swimsuit competition. She's the first senior to compete in Miss Argentina. All these women want to prove that age is just a number and that it's not too late to reach for their dreams of becoming a beauty queen.
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Opinions on the inclusivity announcement are mixed. Some view it positively, arguing that removing age limits in a competition highlighting women's beauty and intelligence is a step forward. This change allows for a more diverse representation of beauty and intellect across different age groups. On the flip side, there are those who disagree, noting that there are existing pageants for older and married women. They argue that age divisions serve a purpose, suggesting that older women might not have the same energy as those in their early 20s.
There's also concern about footwear choices, specifically whether contestants will wear stilettos, blocky heels, or flats. In pageants for women in their 40s, blocky heels are often preferred for comfort reasons. Health concerns related to footwear choices are also being raised.
Despite these challenges, winning local pageants remains a prerequisite for the two women to advance to the Miss Universe competition. The idea of elderly women participating is floated, drawing parallels to the precedent set by trans women competing in the pageant.
Notwithstanding the unfavorable feedback, these two women appear unaffected by their detractors. Their focus remains on encouraging women their age, delivering the message that they may still pursue their aspirations and demonstrate their abilities despite society expectations or age-related stereotypes.[/embed]
