Jenna Talackova loses, but makes history competing in Miss Universe Canada

The transgendered beauty queen from Vancouver takes to the pageant stage in Toronto

Jenna Talackova did not win the crown, making it to the penultimate Miss Universe Canada pageant round before losing on Saturday. But Talackova made history as she walked the stage in her evening gown and swimsuit.

She became the first transgender female to compete for the title after pageant owner Donald Trump announced Talackova would be able to compete despite the rules. She then became one of four contestants named Miss Congeniality.

The 24-year-old graced the stage in a tight-fitting white backless gown and then a tiny bikini. Standing 6'1, she easily towered over the other 61 competitors, according to a CTV article.

Photos: Talackova walks stage in different outfits and bikini

While her competing is seen as a success for the transgender community, not everyone is happy with her being there.

"I think it's good there's attention brought to it but I think it might be outweighing and overshadowing the rest of the competition in general," said Donavon Powell, who was there to cheer on his 24-year-old girlfriend, to the Canadian Press.

Talackova, who underwent gender reassignment surgery when she was 19, was initially not allowed to compete because she was not a "naturally born female." News of her not being in the pageant drew a firestorm of criticism and an online petition gathered 40,000 signatures. Trump gave in to the criticism and changed the policy saying the pageant rules had "been modernized to ensure this type of issue does not occur again." This allowed Talackova to proceed.

"We won't be pushed into making her the winner just because we want to be involved in history in the making," said celebrity judge Justin Ryan of HGTV's Home Heist to CP. "We'll only decide if Jenna's a suitable winner if Jenna shows us that she's worthy of holding that crown. She's gorgeous, but she's got to be a whole lot more than gorgeous to be our winner."

Aside from the Miss Congeniality title, Talackova failed to grab any of the smaller prizes such as Best Body, or People's Choice that would automatically put her in Saturday's final round. The winner, a fellow Vancouverite Sahar Biniaz, 26, was crowned Saturday night.

(CP photo)