Latest news with #MissGeorgiaUSA
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bella Bautista, Miss Georgia USA's First Trans Contestant, On Why She Withdrew From the Pageant
Bella Bautista Bella Bautista, a 22-year-old who reigned as Miss Buckhead 2025, would have made history competing as the first openly trans contestant in the Miss Georgia USA competition, but she recently made the difficult decision to relinquish her crown and withdraw from the pageant, saying the organization doesn't align with her values. Bautista, a college student studying economics and history, announced in an Instagram post on March 18 that it was 'with a heavy heart' that she was 'officially relinquishing' her title. 'When I joined this pageant, I did so with the hope of breaking barriers, inspiring others, and showing that representation matters,' Bautista wrote. '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.' The pageant world hasn't always been a bastion of inclusivity and diversity. In 2012, the Miss USA organization (which Miss Georgia USA is affiliated with) changed its rules to allow trans women to compete. In 2021, Miss Nevada, Kataluna Enriquez, became the first openly transgender contestant to compete in the Miss USA pageant, and other trans women have been successful in their state-level pageants. Teen Vogue has reached out to Miss USA for comment but has not yet heard back. When two transgender contestants – Miss Portugal and Miss Netherlands – competed in Miss Universe in 2023, Bautista was inspired. 'Just seeing them up there and Miss Portugal actually placing [in the] top 20 made me realize that, as a transgender woman, being on that stage could someday be my reality.' She immediately applied for the pageant and received the acceptance call on her birthday. Bautista was looking forward to competing in the Miss Georgia USA pageant, where she would have been the first openly trans contestant to do so. Bautista spoke with Teen Vogue about why she made the decision to relinquish her title, the unique struggles facing the trans community right now, and what's bringing her hope. The following conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Bella Bautista: The organization's affiliations and actions no longer align with Miss Universe's and my mission for inclusivity in a world free [from] discrimination. I hope to show transgender women all across the world to always stand up for themselves and to hold on to their values and to speak up when something isn't right. BB: Yes. After I signed up, I started seeing posts on her page where she was posting a lot of things supporting Trump and pictures with Trump, and that started to raise a red flag in my mind. That started to make me really nervous because, as the first transgender person [to be in the contest], especially in Georgia, a very conservative state, I didn't know how I was going to be. Going into this space, unfortunately I knew that I was going to be labeled as the trans contestant. I wanted, more than anything, to be judged fairly. If I do score highly, I would like to walk away with the title. I had concerns regarding the judging and overall scoring. [Editor's Note: Teen Vogue has reached out to Greenwood Productions and Kim Greenwood for comment, but has not yet heard back.] BB: It felt [like the] right step. I believe that luck comes when opportunity and preparation presents itself. Behind the scenes, I've been working tirelessly to be able to prepare for the Miss Georgia USA pageant. To be able to have that title and to be the representation for my community meant the most for me. I was so happy that so many people within my community reached out and gave me their support, not only in Buckhead, but also at my hometown, which is Cartersville, Georgia. It felt good to know that I inspired people out there to go for their dreams and to not stop themselves simply because of their gender identity, sexuality, or race. BB: To have to make that announcement was probably one of the most difficult things that I've had to do in my entire life. But I also feel at peace because I know that I was that first to be accepted into Miss Georgia USA. I hope that it will light the path to the next change [for someone to] be able to achieve her dream. I want everyone to know that transgender people, we are not trying to destroy the world or retract women's rights or invade anyone's space. We are not trying to make anyone uncomfortable. I'm doing the best that I can to represent the community. [I'm] trying to present myself as an intelligent woman, trying to represent our challenges and adversities as an intelligent woman, especially during this time. During that, I've also had the opportunity to testify in front of the Georgia Senate, the Georgia House of Representatives, to be able to not only talk to my community, but also to lawmakers about our perspective. BB: The thing that's making me hopeful is that my pageant journey is not over. In fact, I feel as if I'm just getting started. What makes me hopeful is that one day I will live in a nation where my trans identity isn't categorized by either party, isn't being used as a political prop at either party. I want people to know that no matter what happens, I'm going to continue fighting. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Metro Atlanta activists react to Trump's repeal of segregated facilities ban in federal contracts
Civil rights activists said they plan to fight back after the Trump administration ended the segregated facilities ban in federal contracts. The repeal means the federal government does not have to prohibit contractors from allowing segregated workspaces. 'Never thought I'd see a headline like that,' Georgia NAACP President, Gerald Griggs told Channel 2's Audrey Washington on Wednesday. 'It's a step towards allowing segregation,' said Georgia State Law professor Tanya Washington. In the public memo, issued by the General Services Administration, there is a segregation clause. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The clause repeals President Lyndon B. Johnson's signed executive order that banned federal contractors from having segregated work areas, drinking fountains and bathrooms. The memo credited President Donald Trump with the change, stating the ban's repeal was in step with Trump's order on DEI. 'It is the camel's nose under the tent. It is not an end it is a beginning,' Professor Washington said. 'We also may be looking at efforts to dismantle the 1964 civil rights act,' she added. Washington said whether a business has a government contract or not, that business must still adhere to federal and state laws; she said simply put, segregated facilities are illegal. TRENDING STORIES: Brother of man convicted of killing Laken Riley sentenced to prison for fake green cards Transgender woman says she's dropping out of Miss Georgia USA pageant Extremely emaciated puppy abandoned near Cobb home in freezing weather 'I'm hopeful that this was an oversight by the administration as to what federal law actually says,' Griggs said. 'But I think there'll be litigation on this,' Griggs added. 'So, this doesn't mean we'll see for colored only and for whites only signs, right?' Washington asked. 'Well, if you read the guidance from the memo there's a possibility of that but if you read the law, no its not possible,' Griggs explained. The memo also mentioned affirmative action and gender identity. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Officers indicted after opening fire on GA man's car after it backfires during traffic stop
A man shot by police after they thought they heard gunfire coming from his car is happy the officers were indicted. It was determined the man's car backfired, causing the popping sounds the officers heard. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jermaine Hernandez, the man who was shot, says he was on top of the world after hearing the grand jury's decision. 'I couldn't do anything but let off tears. Just fill myself with joy,' Hernandez told Channel 2′s Tom Jones. Hernandez says the grand jury's decision is a step in the right direction. 'It just lets me know, the reassurance, something is being done,' Hernandez said. Hernandez says he is lucky he was only shot in the finger when officers pulled him over on Manchester Highway in Columbus for allegedly going 100 miles per hour last year. 'I do believe I could have died,' he said. TRENDING STORIES: UGA student's smiling mugshot breaks the internet Transgender woman says she's dropping out of Miss Georgia USA pageant GA mom, boyfriend being held without bond after 4-year-old girl dies This was all because the officers believed the popping coming from his 2008 BMW 335-I was gunshots. Hernandez says his car is configured to make the popping sounds and it shouldn't have been a surprise to the officers. 'They can hear my vehicle before I even pulled over completely,' he said. His attorney, Julius Collins, says with all the officers' training they should have known better. He said there's only one conclusion if they're found guilty criminally or found responsible in civil court. 'You probably shouldn't put a gun in these two officers' hands,' Collins said. Collins says he has seen the video from the stop and there's no way the officers could have thought the backfiring was gunshots. 'That backfiring sounds like mere popping,' Collins explained. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The grand jury must have agreed. It indicted the officers on aggravated assault and aggravated battery. Columbus police said it respects the grand jury's decision and is starting an internal investigation to ensure all policies and procedures were followed. Hernandez says the officers should be fired. 'I do not believe they should wear that badge,' Hernandez said. Columbus police said the officers are still on unpaid administrative leave. A spokesperson said the names of the officers will be released after they turn themselves in. Hernandez's attorney says he plans to file a civil lawsuit in this case.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man dead after shooting at DeKalb County apartment complex
The DeKalb County Police Department are on the scene of a shooting at an apartment complex in Decatur. The shooting occurred at the Glen Hollow Apartments in Decatur. Police say the shooting is deadly and the victim is a man in his late 30s. He has not been identified, according to police. Investigators are currently on scene collecting evidence and talking to witnesses. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Brother of man convicted of killing Laken Riley sentenced to prison for fake green cards Transgender woman says she's dropping out of Miss Georgia USA pageant Extremely emaciated puppy abandoned near Cobb home in freezing weather [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
GSP K9 dies following medical emergency during training
The Georgia Department of Public Safety announced the unexpected death of K9 Bruce. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to the department, on Tuesday, K9 Bruce attended a scheduled K9 training event at the Georgia State Patrol Post in Valdosta. Officials said after taking a break, Bruce's handler tried to let him out of the patrol vehicle but realized something was wrong when Bruce struggled to stand or move. Bruce was rushed to a veterinary clinic, where authorities said his handler carried him inside for medical treatment. TRENDING STORIES: Brother of man convicted of killing Laken Riley sentenced to prison for fake green cards Transgender woman says she's dropping out of Miss Georgia USA pageant Extremely emaciated puppy abandoned near Cobb home in freezing weather Despite best efforts, K9 Bruce suffered a medical episode following surgery and could not be revived, authorities said. He died with his handler by his side. K9 Bruce was a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix who graduated from canine school last year. 'In his short time with the agency, Bruce demonstrated unwavering loyalty, remarkable skill, and a protective spirit that made him a trusted partner and a beloved member of the department,' the department said. 'K9 Bruce's service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.' K9 Bruce and his handler were assigned to Post 30, in Cordele, Ga. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
