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Bea Wood, who has retained her Miss Transgender UK title, claims she was rejected from the Miss Inspiration beauty pageant after being told only “natural-born females” could apply. The 28-year-old, who is yet to have any surgery, claims the ban violates equality laws like the 2004 Gender Recognition Act. Ms Wood, who was born as a boy called Ben, in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, came out as a woman four years ago. She said: “I sent pictures with my application for Miss Inspiration and had no problem getting through to the next stage.

SWNS Bea Wood asked if her rivals would be OK with her pre-op status

You would hope society would be past this Bea Wood

“I was so excited and started getting in touch with various sponsors ahead of the competition. Never did it cross my mind there would be any issues with me competing.” It was only once Ms Wood was invited to a “pyjama party”, where all the girls meet one another before the competition, that she hit problems. Ms Wood contacted organisers to check the other contestants would be comfortable with her “pre-operation status”. She said: “It quickly became apparent they weren’t going to be accepting and inclusive.

SWNS Bea Wood being crowned Miss Transgender UK for the second year

“The director said that it was in their terms and conditions that I must be a natural-born female. “Never did it once cross my mind they would prevent me from competing because I was born different to how I identify now. “You would hope society would be past this, excluding people who are trans.” She is now calling for action after finding six other contests with the same rules.

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