Bella Bautista, who was set to make history as the first transgender woman to compete for Miss Georgia USA, has announced her withdrawal from the competition.
Taking to Instagram on 17 March, Bautista shared her decision with followers: “With a heavy heart, I am officially relinquishing my title as Miss Buckhead US 2025.”
She explained that while she entered the competition to break barriers and inspire others, she could no longer continue due to the pageant’s affiliations and actions.
“After deep reflection, I have come to the decision that the organisation’s affiliations and actions no longer align with my values and my mission for inclusivity and a world free of discrimination.”
“I Remain Committed to My Purpose”
Bautista, who had hoped to demonstrate that transgender women belong in pageantry, expressed sadness over her withdrawal but stood firm in her advocacy:
“I entered this competition to show that transgender women belong, that we are deserving of space, celebration, and the chance to pursue our dreams. Nothing about that has changed.”
While ongoing legal proceedings prevent her from sharing further details, she remains hopeful that “the truth will unfold and justice will be served soon.”
Ties to Trump and Anti-Trans Policies
Bautista’s decision may be linked to Kim Greenwood, the president of Greenwood Productions, which oversees Miss Georgia USA and other regional pageants. Greenwood is married to country singer Lee Greenwood, a staunch Donald Trump supporter who performed at his inauguration and campaign rallies.
Lee Greenwood’s political ties strengthened when Trump appointed him to the board of the Kennedy Center after naming himself its chairman.
Bautista’s exit also comes amid Trump’s recent wave of executive orders targeting transgender rights, including:
🚫 Declaring there are “only two sexes” as official U.S. policy
🚫 Banning transgender personnel from the military
🚫 Barring trans women from female sports
🚫 Restricting gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth under 19
What’s Next for Bella Bautista?
Despite this setback, Bautista remains determined to fight for inclusivity in pageantry and beyond.
📢 “I remain committed to my purpose.”
Her courage and advocacy continue to inspire the LGBTQ+ community, proving that the fight for trans visibility in beauty pageants is far from over.
