Jenna Talackova, a member of the Lake Babine First Nation of British Columbia, has paved the way for transgendered women to compete for Miss Universe.

The organization initially told Talackova, 23, she couldn't compete in Miss Universe Canada because she was born a man. But Donald Trump, who runs the Miss Universe Organization, changed his mind and said she was welcome to participate.

And now transgendered women will be allowed in the Miss Universe pageant, starting next year. That means Talackova could win the title, provided she wins the Canadian title.

"We're supportive of her," her cousin, John Bertacco, who serves as a band council member, told The Vancouver Sun.

Get the Story:
Miss Universe pageant allows transgender women to compete (AP 4/10)
For transgendered pageant hopeful Jenna Talackova, change began with a name (The Vancouver Sun 4/9)

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Transgendered Native woman vies for Miss Universe Canada (4/4)