On Friday, Jenna Talackova was denied the opportunity to compete in the Canadian beauty pageant contest. The 23 year old was born a male but received gender reassignment surgery at the age of 19 which makes her a woman.

If she is now a woman why can’t she compete? For all physical intents and purposes she models a female form.

Miss Canada Universe released the following statement, “Jenna Talackova from Vancouver, British Columbia will not compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada competition because she did not meet the requirements to compete despite having stated otherwise on her entry form. We do, however, respect her goals, determination and wish her the best.”

Some people on Twitter agreed with the ruling:

While others tweeted to support Jenna:

Jenna’s disqualification has led to some controversy because she met all of the written requirements and there is no rule regarding sex-changes or cosmetic surgery. However, they do have a rule that all contestants must be born female.

The blonde bombshell is not pleased with their decision and has been talking to lawyers:

“I am very disappointed with the decision taken by the Miss Universe … organizers,” Talackova said in a statement released Monday. “However, I will look to turn this situation into a positive so that other people in a similar situation are not discriminated against in the future.”

Many transgender individuals continue to face discrimination.

When Peorian Kelly Shore changed gender she was placed into classes with kids who suffered from ADD and other learning disabilities because parents and teachers were afraid that she would distract other students.

Perhaps Jenna should move to the United States and compete in America’s Next Top Model which gave the transgendered contestant, Isis, the opportunity to shine and show off her beauty.