Breaking Age Barriers in Pageantry
Marissa Teijo, a 71-year-old from El Paso, is set to make history as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant, which began this weekend in Houston. The winner will represent Texas in the Miss USA competition.
This milestone follows recent rule changes by the Miss Universe organization, aimed at inclusivity by removing age limits for contestants over 18 and allowing participation by married, divorced, and pregnant women. Teijo expressed her excitement on Instagram, hoping to “inspire women to strive to be their best physical and mental self and believe there is beauty at any age.”
A controversial backdrop
The pageant is taking place amid controversy. On May 6, Noelia Voigt, 24, resigned from her Miss Universe USA title, citing a focus on her mental health. Voigt’s resignation letter accused the pageant’s CEO, Laylah Rose, of fostering a toxic work environment and failing to address a sexual harassment incident.
Leadership changes
In response, Rose stated, “The well-being of all individuals associated with Miss USA is my top priority.” Following Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, 17, and Miss USA’s social media manager Claudia Michelle also stepped down. Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was crowned Miss USA 2023 in place of Voigt and will hold the title until August. Stephanie Skinner, Miss Teen USA runner-up, declined the crown offered after Srivastava’s resignation.
A new era
The Miss Texas USA pageant, held at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel, signifies a new era of inclusivity in beauty pageants, with Teijo’s participation symbolizing that beauty and ambition have no age limit.