Talackova named Vancouver Pride Parade grand marshal

Transgender woman Jenna Talackova says she was disqualified from the Miss Universe Canada pageant because of discrimination. (CTV)

The first transgender contestant ever to compete in the Miss Universe Canada competition has been named a grand marshal of the 2012 Vancouver Pride Parade.

Jenna Talackova became a household name earlier this year after being disqualified from the pageant then reinstated following an outpouring of support from the public.

The 23-year-old went on to break the top 12 and earn the Miss Congeniality award.

She joins fellow grand marshals Bill Monroe, a local gay sporting advocate, and David Holtzman, a community activist who is receiving the honour posthumously.

Talackova has said she began identifying as a woman at four years old, and started hormone therapy at 14. She had gender reassignment surgery at 19.

Miss Universe organizers disqualified her from competing in March after declaring she was not a “naturally born female,” but Talackova fought the decision with help from famed feminist lawyer Gloria Allred.

Her case led the Miss Universe Organization to state that it would allow transgender competitors at any of its contests, though it stopped short of making promises for local franchises.

The Vancouver Pride Parade is being held on Aug. 5, and will move west from the intersection of Robson and Bute streets before turning down Denman Street and running all the way to Beach Avenue at Jervis Street.