Huong Giang competes in Miss Universe 2025: 'I don't take anyone's opportunity'

At a press conference before leaving for Miss Universe 2025, Huong Giang spoke frankly about the controversy surrounding transgender people participating in the contest.

Responding to questions about gender on the documents when registering for the contest, Huong Giang said that every year Miss Universe will update the regulations with the national director without a specific document on the website. She confirmed that she had discussed with the national director and had a complete application according to the requirements of the organizing committee.

Huong Giang answers about gender issues when participating in Miss Universe 2025:

To the question of whether a transgender person participating in Miss Universe is taking away the opportunity of other women when there are already pageants specifically for transgender people? Huong Giang answered in English, emphasizing that being a woman is not only about appearance or biological sex but also about love, spirit and being true to yourself.

"I'm not taking anything away from other women who are defining the power and success of women in all situations. This is not just a beauty pageant anymore. That era is over," she asserted.

Huong Giang 02.png — Huong Giang with Huong Ly and Ky Duyen at the event.

When asked if transgender women would take away the color of Miss Universe, Huong Giang cited the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations to 2030, always emphasizing gender equality and reducing inequality. She said that the appearance of people like herself, mothers or women with families is proof of the diversity that Miss Universe is pursuing.

"My appearance does not take away the color of Miss Universe, but is also an important factor waiting to prove that they create a real playground towards diversity around the world ," Huong Giang emphasized.

Regarding her worries as this is a decision that can bring many advantages but also disadvantages, Huong Giang shared that her purpose is not to increase her popularity.

"This is an opportunity for the world to see how elegant and beautiful someone like me can be, and from there they will change their perception of the community. When the purpose is clearly defined, winning or losing is no longer important," she said.

Another question is, at the age of 33, should Huong Giang "give way" to the younger generation? She frankly said that this is not fair when the normal retirement age is 50-60 years old.

"During my 13 years in the profession, no one has ever given me any opportunity. It's all the result of my efforts since I was 20 years old," she shared. Huong Giang also said that she always creates opportunities for others through her role as a mentor in many programs.

Regarding preparation for the contest, Huong Giang said that for the past 13 years, every day she has been on a journey towards her own aspirations and mission, not preparing for any specific contest.

She confessed that she did not have a crown when she appeared at the press conference, but said that this was in line with this year's Miss Universe theme: Beyond the crown .

Looking back on her journey, Huong Giang mentioned important milestones: In 2012, she was the first transgender person to appear on national television when she participated in Vietnam Idol. After that, Huong Giang became Miss International Transgender. She emotionally shared that until the moment she stood on stage, she still could not believe this was true.

"I cannot commit to where this journey will go. But if I have the opportunity to increase my influence, I will not do it alone. I am carrying the hopes of many people. If I can leave a historical milestone at Miss Universe, I will use it to spread good values," Huong Giang affirmed.

Regarding her opponents, she said that this year's Asian representatives are all beautiful, but she will see them as younger sisters, not opponents, to have the most comfortable spirit when entering the Miss Universe arena.

Huong Giang shares about herself: