Bella Bautista announced in a post that competing in the 2025 Miss Georgia USA pageant is no longer possible.
The transgender contestant is also relinquishing the title of Miss Buckhead USA. The Buckhead district is a commercial and residential area of Atlanta.
Bautista posted, “When I joined this pageant, I did so with the hope of breaking barriers, inspiring others, and showing that representation matters."
Without offering details, Bautista continued, "However, after deep reflection, I have come to the decision that the organization’s affiliations and actions no longer align with my personal values and my mission for inclusivity and a world free of discrimination."
Bautista would have been the first transgender competitor in the Miss Georgia USA pageant. “Due to ongoing legal proceedings, I am unable to share further details at this time,” Bautista wrote. “But know this: the truth will unfold, and justice will be served very soon.”
Bautista testified before Georgia state lawmakers in February and offered comments in opposition to a pending state law that would prevent transgender competitors in women's athletic events.
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