Keylyn Trajano, a well-known model and entrepreneur, has made history as the first transgender woman to be included among the candidates for the Miss Universe Philippines – Pampanga 2025 pageant. The local organization revealed Trajano, along with 15 other aspirants, as part of its official lineup on Tuesday, November 19.
Hailing from Siñura, Porac, Trajano has long been recognized for her resilience and advocacy. On social media, she shared her excitement and determination after achieving this milestone despite past rejections. “I have been constantly told to stop breaking the system, have been rejected numerous times and finally I am here! I GUESS MS KEY NEVER GIVES UP NO?” she wrote. Trajano added, “My GOAL IS SIMPLY TO BE A VOICE OF CHANGE AND HOPE!”
Her journey to this point has been marked by perseverance. In July, Trajano competed in Century Tuna Superbods 2024, where she secured a Top 8 position and was honored with the Fitness Breakthrough Award.
Miss Universe first opened its doors to transgender contestants in 2013, with Spain’s Angela Ponce making history as the first trans participant in 2018. In 2023, the Netherlands’ Rikkie Valerie Kollé and Portugal’s Marina Machete continued the representation on the global stage.
Details regarding the activities and coronation night of the Miss Universe Philippines – Pampanga 2025 pageant are yet to be announced.
