Former Miss Argentina Mariana Varela and former Miss Puerto Rico, Fabiola Valentina, have just
shared a heartwarming video on social media, capturing a long relationship journey between the
two, capped off with a wholesome proposal that revealed the pair’s secret wedding.

The pair, who met during the 2020 Miss Grand International pageant in Thailand, recounted
moments from their travels together, a cute, private candlelit proposal, and the pair kissing outside
the Marriage Bureau in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Varela and Valentina’s romance kindled an outpouring of congratulations and support from all over
the world, with millions of likes and thousands of comments celebrating their union.

It’s a story of growing LGBT rights in both Argentina and Puerto Rico — while the major influence of
Catholicism results in some discrimination, but both governments have set an example on the world
stage for the protection and inclusion of LGBTQ+ members of society, with both countries offering
same-sex marriage and adoption rights.

The pageant industry as a whole — historically criticized for its male-gazey take on female beauty, is
also undergoing a quiet, queer-led revolution. Thai media tycoon Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip — who
is transgender — recently purchased the Miss Universe organization through her JKN Global Group,
and has made her intentions for an inclusive, diverse take on beauty that sets an example for ‘the
next generation’.

Miss Argentina 2020 Mariana Varela thanked everyone for their wishes and love. She wrote, “Thanks
for all the love! We are very happy and blessed. I wish you that the love you are giving us is
multiplied! Endless thanks.”

Lead Image: @fabiolavalentinpr