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How Miss Myanmar used Miss Universe to protest the military coup in her country
Thuzar Wint Lwin of Myanmar may not have won the crown at the 69th Miss Universe pageant, but she was able to deliver a very powerful political statement.
The 22-year-old beauty queen entered the competition with the hope of using the international platform to shed light on what was happening to her country after the military seized control this year.
During the pageant's national costume competition Friday, Thuzar made a statement by taking the stage in her country's traditional clothing and opening a scroll that read "Pray for Myanmar."
In an introductory video posted online, she showed clips of the violent mass protests taking place in Myanmar and voiced her support for the pro-democracy movement in her country.
The beauty queen also said she donated all her savings to people whose family members have been killed.
"No matter what, I still try to make it to Miss Universe competition and hoping it will give me an opportunity to let the world know of our country and how our freedom, human rights and right to live are threatened," she said in a video.
"Myanmar deserves democracy. We will keep fighting and I also hope that international communities will give us help that we desperately need," she added.
In the end, Thuzar Wint Lwin bowed out of the Miss Universe pageant as one of the Top 21 finalists but she won Best National Costume.
According to the New York Times, Thuzar had said in an interview that she believes “it will not be safe” for her to return to Myanmar after speaking out against the regime, and that she does not know where she will go after the pageant.
Nevertheless, Thuzar said in a social media post that she was very grateful to have delivered her message at the pageant.
"Myanmar, We did it... And it wouldn't be possible if it's not for your love and support. I'm blessed and thrilled that we made it together all the way today. I wish I could have made you prouder. But I did my best and hope you all love what we got," Thuzar wrote.
"And thank you so so much to those who voted for Best National Costume. It's more than a costume. It's a message, spirit and solidarity," she added.
— Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News
