She represented Portugal at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador and finished as a top 20 semifinalist, becoming the first openly trans woman to place.
[6] As a result of being an openly transgender woman, she experienced a lot of backlashes and severe critics on Portuguese media after being crowned as Miss Universe Portugal.
Machete posted to her Instagram account over the weekend after winning the contest, “to all of you watching, I just want to say that, just like the universe, your possibilities in life are limitless...so don’t limit yourself to any dream that you have.”[7] She is the devout advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
[9] Machete has experience modeling for various fashion brands and has appeared in editorial spreads, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to different styles and themes.
[11][10] As the beauty pageant titleholder and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Machete has developed strong public speaking skills, able to articulate her thoughts and opinions with confidence and poise.
[12] Machete's advocacy work for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity has given her experience in community outreach and engagement, able to connect with diverse groups and build relationships with stakeholders.
[11] With a strong online presence, Machete has experience managing social media accounts, creating content, and engaging with followers.
[13] Despite facing criticism and backlash from some members of the Portuguese media and public, Machete remains steadfast in her commitment to inclusivity and diversity, using her platform to promote positive change and challenge outdated beauty standards.
Her participation in the international pageant was met with both praise and criticism, sparking important conversations about inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry.
[17] Machete's most notable accolade is her crowning as Miss Universe Portugal 2023, a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for pageantry.
[18] As the first openly trans woman to compete for the title of Miss Universe Portugal, Machete has broken down barriers and inspired countless individuals from the LGBTQ+ community to pursue their dreams in the beauty industry.
[12] After being crowned Miss Universe Portugal, Machete faced severe criticism and backlashes from some members of the Portuguese media and public.