Models Direct has heard a lot of strong opinion around Jenna Talackova over the last few weeks. The transgender model hit the headlines when she was recently banned from competing in this year’s Miss Universe Canada contest – on the basis that she had not been “naturally born female”.

Now it seems that the organisation, run by Donald Trump, has done a u-turn on that decision and will potentially allow a transgender model to one day be crowned the world’s most beautiful woman at this event. Male to female transgender models will be able to compete in its contests from 2013. You can view the press statement that many felt led to a change of heart in the Miss Universe camp below.

In an announcement from Miss Universe representatives last week it was said that Talackova herself is free to compete: “in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant – provided she meets the legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, and the standards established by other international competitions.”

The Miss Universe president Paula Shugart, however, has insisted that a highly publicised legal battle led by celebrity feminist lawyer Gloria Allred on behalf of Talackova was not the reason for this decision: “The decision to include transgender women in our beauty competitions is the result of our ongoing discussions with Glaad and not Jenna’s legal representation, which if anything, delayed the process.”

Spokesman for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Herndon Graddick said: “The Miss Universe Organization follows institutions that have taken a stand against discrimination of transgender women including the Olympics.

“At a time when transgender people are still routinely denied equal opportunities in housing, employment and medical care, today’s decision is in line with the growing levels of public support for transgender people across the country.”

What is your opinion on transgender models entering beauty contests like Miss Universe? Public feeling appears very divided on the matter. One reader responded to the story: “Wow, would NEVER have guessed she had a sex change, she looks 100% female!” Another said: “OK…I’m generally a live and let live person but this is insane. She was born a man and now can compete as a woman against natural women. A lot of women use these things to get scholarships for college educations but, frankly, now it’s turning into a freak show…and who can build a better woman? I’ll tune out!”

Whatever your opinion on this particular rule change it does seem that some other rather unusual requirements remain present regarding the Miss Universe contest, with this statement included in the FAQ section of the missuniverse.com/missusa site: “Contestants may not be married or pregnant. They must not have ever been married, not had a marriage annulled nor given birth to, or parented, a child. The titleholders are also required to remain single throughout their reign.”

Jenna Talackova was reported to have a long term boyfriend last week – presumably she has had to give him up for her chance to win the crown as she has confirmed that she will compete in the contest.