The 20-year-old publically came out just before the competition began in Atlanta, Georgia just a few weeks ago in an interview with beauty pageant forum, Missosology.
“I came to a full realization about my sexual orientation over a long time. I knew I was ‘one of them’ way back in 2015 … It is personally quite challenging but I feel that I have a greater voice and the best position to promote this cause,” she said.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Myanmar, though, the law is rarely enforced, according to the Myanmar Times.
Miss Universe’s first openly gay contestant strutted down the runway on Sunday night despite coming from a country where homosexuality is criminalized.
Miss Myanmar representative Swe Zin Htet may not have been crowned the title but the 20-year-old still made history for the long-running beauty pageant.
“We are honored to give a platform to strong, inspirational women like Miss Universe Myanmar, who are brave enough to share their unique stories with the world,” wrote the group’s president Paula Shugart.
In its 67 years, not one Miss Universe contestant has been openly gay until Zin Htet publically came out just before the competition in Atlanta, Georgia.
“I believe that not all countries allow same-sex marriage. I want the world to accept the LGBTQ+ community and their right to choose their own path and pursuit of happiness,” Htet told Missosology.
After coming out, Zin Htet posted a photo collage to Instagram with the rainbow pride flag splashed across with the word “Proud.”
Despite Zin Htet having to return to a country that condemns her sexuality, she told Glamour that she hopes her act of bravery will allow not only more Burmese people to open up, but also inspire other beauty pageant contestants.
