“This is about giving minorities a voice,” Green claims, according to the outlet. “I believe I’m beautiful, and I want to set an example for all women — cisgender and transgender — that beauty doesn’t have to fit into specific molds.”

The pageant’s website, however, specifically details in its rules that only “natural born female” contestants are permitted. Contestants who have posed nude in film or print or have given birth are also barred from competing, per the spelled out “eligibility requirements“:

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. Is between 13–17 years of age. 2. Is a U.S. citizen or has been granted Permanent Residency by the United States. 3. Is a resident, works, or goes to school in the state they are competing. 4. Is a natural born female. 5. Has never posed nude in film or print media. 6. Is single, not married, has never been married & has never given birth.

Moreover, when Green informed the pageant that his sex is male, a director offered to find a pageant that allows trans folks in which Green could compete. That’s when Green threatened legal action.

Here’s the interaction via Facebook message, according to Willamette Week: