(Paris) The Miss France competition, including the 93e edition takes place on Saturday, attempts to restore its image by authorizing – on paper – tattooed women, mothers or transgender, changes which have not convinced feminist associations.
Described as an “archaic caricature” by its detractors, the annual competition, among the best television audiences in France, has decided to broaden its selection criteria.
But for Fabienne El Khoury, spokesperson for the association “Osez le féminisme! », the evolutions of the regulation « are just a coat of white paint on a moldy wall ».
Until now, only women between the ages of 18 and 24 with no children and measuring at least 1.70 meters could claim the title of “beauty queen”.
If the size criteria remain unchanged, the contest is now open to women over 18, with no age limit, including married, with or without children.
“We decided to change the rules, drawing inspiration from the rules of Miss Universe”, explained Alexia Laroche-Joubert, new president of the Miss France society.
Despite the relaxation of the rules, no mother candidate for the final: only a young woman of 27, married and mother of a young girl, presented herself in Alsace, without being elected.
Another major development, transgender applications are now accepted, “from the moment the candidate has a female marital status,” said Ms.me Laroche Joubert. In June, a first transgender candidate, actress Andréa Furet (20), ran for Miss Paris, where she came second runner-up.
Visible tattoos are also now allowed. Two candidates in the running on Saturday will be tattooed: Miss Languedoc and Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
“It’s pure communication strategy. The very idea of organizing a competition that is inherently sexist on physical aspects that the majority of French women cannot achieve is discriminatory,” Ms.me El Khoury. “It is high time in 2022 to question the relevance of maintaining this competition from another age”.
“Dare feminism! “Initiated proceedings before the industrial tribunal of Bobigny against the “discriminatory criteria” of the Miss France contest. Decision on January 6.