Bella Bautista is breaking barriers as the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Miss Georgia USA pageant. Following Kataluna Enriquez’s historic participation in a USA pageant in 2021, Bautista is ready to make her own mark.
From Cartersville, Georgia, Bautista currently holds the title of Miss Buckhead USA. She sees her participation in the Miss Georgia USA pageant as an opportunity to inspire others and challenge societal norms. “I thought, this could really happen for me. This dream could come true. And since Georgia hasn’t had a first like this, I could be that first,” she said.
However, her journey has been met with significant resistance, particularly on social media. “Within 30 minutes of my announcement, there were over a thousand comments saying I shouldn’t exist, that I’m just a man, or that I’m mentally ill,” Bautista recalled. Despite the hate, she remains undeterred.
Bautista has also been vocal about recent legislative efforts in Georgia to ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports. As a cheerleader, she finds the proposed laws deeply personal. “It’s heartbreaking to see my civil rights and my happiness being taken away. Cheerleading is something that brings me joy,” she expressed.
Instead of focusing on the negativity, Bautista is pouring her energy into preparing for the competition. She’s working on her stage presence, speeches, and overall presentation. “I’m going to give it my best shot and hope for fairness in how I’m judged,” she said.
The Miss Georgia USA pageant kicks off on June 12, 2025, and Bautista’s participation marks a significant step forward for inclusivity and representation in the pageant world.
