Thai transgender entrepreneur buys Miss Universe Organisation for US$20 million

A Thai celebrity, businesswoman, trans rights activist, and beauty queen bought the Miss Universe Organisation for US$20 million yesterday.

Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip is the first woman to own the company – formerly owned by Donald Trump – in its 71 year history.

Anne is a transgender woman famous in Thailand for starring in Project Runway and Shark Tank. She is the CEO and biggest shareholder of the successful media conglomerate JKN Global Group. JKN produces shows and distributes media from abroad in Thailand such as documentaries and Bollywood dramas.

The company’s shares went up 10% yesterday upon its acquisition of the Miss Universe Organisation.

After being bullied for identifying as a woman in an all-boys school in Thailand, Anne set up the Life Inspired For Transexual Foundation (LIFT) to advocate for the rights to dignity and opportunities for transgender…