True queen: Keylyn Trajano transcends ‘trans’ label

Keylyn Trajano, a transgender Filipino woman, is set to make history on the international stage, aiming to use the platform of pageantry to champion messages of hope, determination, and acceptance.

Based in Pampanga, the model is preparing to compete in the Universal Woman 2025 pageant, where she will be the first-ever transgender contestant in the relatively new global competition.

Interestingly, Trajano will not be representing the Philippines. Having been born in Jeddah to Filipino parents before moving to the Philippines at a young age, she was crowned "Universal Woman Arabia" by the current reigning Universal Woman, Maria Gigante, at a recent event in Quezon City. This title allows her to represent her birth country in the upcoming pageant.

For those who follow Philippine pageantry, Trajano is a familiar face. She previously participated in the Century Superbods contest in both 2020 and 2024. She was also an official candidate for the Miss Universe Philippines Pampanga title last year.

While the Miss Universe Organization opened its doors to transgender participants years ago, the Philippines currently lacks gender legislation that would fully align with this policy at the national level. Despite this, Trajano was accepted into the Miss Universe Philippines Pampanga search. However, she ultimately decided to withdraw before the finals after careful consideration.

In a social media post, she explained her decision, stating, "Knowing that the country isn’t still ready for change, my stable avenues are things I cannot simply let go," citing her professional and business commitments as factors.

Speaking to the media at her Universal Woman Arabia coronation, Trajano shared her experiences in local pageantry: "there’s nothing not open about me, ever since I came out last year, and competed in pageantry. And every time I’m always the bridesmaid, every time I’m always so close, but never really given the chance in the Phillippines, because of who I am."

Trajano feels she has found her place, or "home," in the Universal Woman pageant. She expressed that the competition genuinely celebrates her identity and views her not just as an "inclusivity pick" but for who she is.

The Universal Woman pageant, based in the United Kingdom, is recognized for its notably inclusive guidelines. Unlike many pageants that have strict age limits, Universal Woman welcomes participants between the ages of 25 and 45. Trajano highlighted that, in addition to accepting transgender delegates like Miss Universe and Miss Intercontinental, this year's third edition will also feature four "plus-size" women contestants.

"It’s about me showing my best version, showcasing my advocacy, empowering women and trans women, and my LGBT community. And, finally, if I do my best, I can win," she stated, emphasizing her purpose in the competition.

Through her journey, Trajano hopes to inspire others, especially within the transgender community. "I want to be that reminder that you can do whatever you dream of," she said. "I’m willing to change the world in my own simple way. And hopefully this transpires through the whole world, to start from their own way."

Reflecting on the path she's traveled, Trajano acknowledged the difficulties she faced. "I’m grateful for everything that I’ve experienced in my life, all the hardships, all the abuse, all the discrimination, all the rejections. It led me to where I belong, which is Universal Woman," she shared.

The pageant's third edition was originally planned for India this month. However, organizers decided to postpone the competition following retaliatory missile strikes between India and Pakistan in early May concerning the Kashmir region.

Details regarding the new date and location for the Universal Woman 2025 pageant have not yet been announced. The current titleholder is Maria Gigante, the Cebuana event host who was the Philippines’ inaugural representative in the pageant.

When asked why she believes she should be the next Universal Woman, Trajano offered a profound response: "I have a story to tell. Our story transcends everything." She continued, "Our stories, our narratives are symbols of past, present and future. And stories are legacies... Stories are a message of hope. And all of us are different representations of hopes and empowerment. But my story is really mine. And that will transcend generations."