The transgender tycoon remaking the Miss Universe contest | Entertainment/Life

If tourists wandering the city seem particularly attractive lately, it may be because approximately 90 beauty queens from around the world are in New Orleans right now as the city prepares to host the 71st annual Miss Universe competition Jan. 14 at the Morial Convention Center.

The sold-out event is celebrating multiple changes this year, including a new host and a new award category for leadership — among the first changes by the pageant’s new owner.

Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA were purchased in October by Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, CEO of Thailand-based media company JKN Global Group Pcl. The first female to own the Miss Universe brand in its 71-year history, Jakrajutatip also holds the distinction of being Asia’s first…