19/02/2022
Irish broadcasting network RTE reports that the prestigious Rose of Tralee beauty pageant, which is designed to honour the most beautiful Irish women, is moving with the times and will welcome transgender women as contestants for the first time. In addition, women who are married will be welcomed and the upper age limit raised to 29. Dáithí Ó Sé, who is the host of the pageant, said “"If you look at the Rose of Tralee and look at what Irish women are doing in that particular year, I think it is a very good image and reflection of what's happening.”. He added "It's about being inclusive, we're all here together, it's a very safe place and it's a good fun, happy place to be”. The Rose of Tralee has already had a lesbian winner. Maria Walsh, the first openly gay Rose of Tralee in 2014 and is the current MEP for the Midlands-North-West seat. She said the change recognises that trans women are deserving of "more opportunities than perhaps what society had gifted them prior". And boys, you’re not left out. The Rose of Tralee has Rose Escorts, who are picked from the most handsome men in Ireland. To enter, entrants must be under 32, have Irish ancestry and be male or indentify as male, thus welcoming transmen. The 2022 festival will run from August 19th to 23rd.
