Biography
Who is Jenna Talackova?
Early life and education
Jenna Talackova was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her father is of Czech descent. Her mother belongs to the Babine First Nation, originating from the Lake Babine Nation in British Columbia.
During her childhood, she experienced gender dysphoria. She started her gender transition process at age 14. She attended Killarney Secondary School in Vancouver during this time. By age 19, she had completed her sex reassignment surgery. Before choosing the name Jenna, she briefly used the name Page during the early stages of her transition.
As of 2012, she was pursuing studies in holistic nutrition.
Miss Universe Canada controversy
Before her major media visibility, Jenna competed in the 2010 Miss International Queen pageant. This event is specifically for transgender and transsexual women held in Thailand. She later applied to join the Miss Universe Canada 2012 competition.
Organizers initially selected her as one of the top 65 applicants. However, they later disqualified her after learning she was transgender, citing rules that required contestants to be naturally born women. Jenna Talackova hired attorney Gloria Allred to challenge this decision. The case targeted the pageant organizers, including Donald Trump, who was the owner of the international organization at that time.
The organization changed its stance before the legal matter reached court. Trump’s office released a statement confirming she could participate as long as she met Canadian legal gender recognition standards. She competed in the event on May 19, 2012. She reached the top 12 stage but did not advance to the top 5. She received the title of Miss Congeniality along with three other participants.
Television career and public recognition
Following her pageant experience, Jenna Talackova received recognition for her advocacy. She served as the co-grand marshal for the 2012 Vancouver Pride Parade. This role honored her efforts to compete in the Miss Universe Canada pageant.
In 2013, she moved to Toronto to focus on her modelling work. During this summer, production began on a reality television series about her life titled Brave New Girls. The show was created by Peacock Alley Entertainment and made its debut on E! Canada in January 2014.
Jenna is a vegan and has participated in a PETA advertising campaign to support this lifestyle.
Birthday and age
Jenna Talackova was born on October 15, 1988, which makes Jenna 38 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Jenna shares the date with 70 other famous people.
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