Following Huong Giang’s elimination at Miss Universe 2025, questions have arisen around the space and fairness for transgender contestants in international pageants. At Miss Cosmo 2025, organizers confirmed that two transgender women - from the Netherlands and Spain - are officially competing, with full rights to present themselves equally on stage.

On November 24 in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Hoang Phuong Linh, Miss Universe Vietnam 2025, received her official sash and invitation to compete in Miss Cosmo. The event also featured the unveiling of her national costume and community project. Present at the ceremony were Phuong Linh’s family, Miss Vietnam 2024 Ha Truc Linh, and international contestants from Cuba, Colombia, Canada, Bolivia, and the Netherlands.

Rising dragon and rising voice

Phuong Linh introduced her community project, Line2Life, an e-handbook supporting mental health awareness among youth and the LGBT+ community. She shared that the project has already reached 70 young participants through four workshops.

She also showcased her carnival-themed national costume, titled The Rising Dragon, designed by Nguyen Duy Hau. The costume draws inspiration from the mythical carp transforming into a dragon - a powerful symbol of Vietnamese resilience and ambition.

Asked by VietNamNet whether she believes she is worthy of the Miss Cosmo crown, Phuong Linh offered three reasons.

She emphasized her upbringing in a morally grounded family and her refusal to compromise on values. She believes the judges are looking for a queen with authentic character.

She highlighted how her current title provides a strong platform to amplify meaningful messages to society, especially among the youth and vulnerable groups.

And most importantly, she believes in taking action, not just speaking out. Beyond raising her voice for mental health and social issues, she pledged to actively confront the changes she wishes to see in the world.

Transparency and equality emphasized

Truong Bao Hoang, head of the Miss Cosmo organizing committee, addressed concerns over alleged pressure from rival pageants threatening national directors with license withdrawal. He stated: “We respect each competition’s policies and the autonomy of national directors. They should be granted real authority - not conditional power.”

He also confirmed that Miss Cosmo uses an independent scoring system through a mobile app, with results audited by a third-party firm to ensure transparency.

Affirming the pageant’s commitment to diversity, he added: “No matter the skin color, ethnicity, age, religion, or gender identity, every contestant who steps onto the Miss Cosmo stage deserves equal opportunity to shine.”

This year’s final show will be held at Innovation Park, a venue four times larger than last year’s, with a capacity of up to 20,000 people. Organizers also announced a series of charity initiatives across Hue (with $8,000 in aid), Nha Trang, and storm-affected central provinces.

Miss Vietnam 2024 Ha Truc Linh shared that she deeply resonated with Phuong Linh and valued their friendship. “When Phuong Linh invited me to her home for a meal, it was something I truly treasured. Being away from my family so often, it felt warm and familiar,” she said.

Phuong Linh’s mother added that despite her packed schedule, her daughter occasionally returns home to “recharge,” sometimes only for an hour or two before heading back to work as early as 4 or 5 a.m.

Miss Cosmo 2025 will be held over more than 20 days across multiple locations in Vietnam, including Hue, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh, and Ho Chi Minh City. Themed Rising Dragon, the pageant’s semi-final and final nights are set for December 17 and 20.

Minh Dung