Bella Bautista, a man living as a woman, has announced that he will not compete in the upcoming Miss Georgia USA pageant and has relinquished his title as Miss Buckhead USA 2025. Bautista made the announcement in an Instagram post on Monday, citing disagreements with the organization’s values.
“With a heavy heart, I am officially relinquishing my title as Miss Buckhead USA 2025,” he wrote. “When I joined this pageant, I did so with the hope of breaking barriers, inspiring others, and showing that representation matters. However, after deep reflection, I have come to the decision that the organization’s affiliations and actions no longer align with my personal values and my mission for inclusivity and a world free of discrimination.”
Social media users reacted strongly to Bautista’s decision, with many voicing support for keeping women’s competitions exclusive to biological women. “So glad you’re letting a competition for WOMEN be for WOMEN!” one user commented. Another added, “Biological women want their spaces back.”
Had Bautista competed, he would have been the first transgender contestant in Miss Georgia USA history, according to the Washington Examiner. In his post, he also mentioned ongoing legal proceedings with the pageant organizers, stating, “Due to ongoing legal proceedings, I am unable to share further details at this time. But know this: the truth will unfold, and justice will be served very soon.”
Miss Georgia USA is produced by Greenwood Productions, led by Kim Greenwood, a former Miss Tennessee USA, and her husband, country singer Lee Greenwood. Both are known supporters of President Donald Trump. While Greenwood Productions has not commented on Bautista’s resignation, they previously stated that eligibility rules are set by the Miss Universe Organization.
Bautista also claims to be a “Collegiate Athlete” in his Instagram bio. Outsports.com, an LGBTQ+ sports website, identified him as a former competitive cheerleader at Oglethorpe University. His departure from the pageant follows recent legislative developments in Georgia, where the state House passed the Riley Gaines Act on February 27. The bill would prevent men posing as women from competing in female sports.
Bautista previously testified before the Georgia Senate in an attempt to block the bill, arguing it discriminates against transgender athletes. His testimony failed to sway lawmakers, as the bill passed with a 9-3 vote and is now set for a vote in the state House of Representatives.
