“Miss Universe's Evolution: Diversity, Inclusivity, and Changing Standards” In a groundbreaking move, Miss Universe saw a change in ownership in October 2022, with billionaire Anne Jakkaphong, a trans woman of Thai origin, taking the reins . Historical Background: Miss Universe originated in the 1950s as a response to a bikini controversy , diverging from the Miss America contest. CBS TV acquired the rights in the 1960s, and by 1972, the pageant had expanded globally. Evolution of Standards: The pageant broke barriers in 1977 when Janelle Commissiong became the first black woman to win. Initially, contestants had age and marital restrictions. The 1990s saw more countries joining, emphasizing intelligence and communication skills. Donald Trump Era: From 1996 to 2015, Donald Trump's ownership led to changes, shifting focus to a 'Top Model'-style concept and introducing the dramatic elimination format for finalists. Modernizing Rules: Recent y...