Meet Logina Salah, First Contestant With Vitilgo At Miss Universe 2024

History has been made! From once witnessing isolating people with vitiligo to now having a Miss Universe finalist proudly flaunting it, we have all seen remarkable progress over the years. Logina Salah of Egypt carved an iconic place in history by becoming the first contestant with vitiligo to compete in Miss Universe 2024. She also made history as the first Egyptian contestant to reach the top 30 in the 73-year history of the pageant.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the skin to lose pigment, resulting in white patches. It is reported to be related to immune system changes, genetic factors, stress, or sun exposure. 

 Logina Salah's Journey To The Paegent 

Logina Salah celebrated her achievement with a heartfelt post, saying, "This is the result of unwavering dedication, hard work, and a mindset that always strives for greatness. We’ve put Egypt back on the pageantry map, and this is just the beginning! With determination and a positive outlook, anything is possible."

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A post shared by Logina Salah (@loginasalah)

Logina was born on April 21, 1990, in Alexandria, Egypt. At the age of eight, she was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition, lupus, which eventually led to vitiligo. Growing up, she faced bullying for her skin condition and often felt left out, causing her to withdraw from sports and other activities.

It wasn't until fifteen years later that she fully embraced her vitiligo, and since then, she has become a strong advocate for inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that no child experiences the trauma she once did. Logina quotes, "One of the best things to hurt is, don't give the advice but live the advice."

Three years ago, Logina moved to Dubai with her daughter, Amy, and founded the Beyond The Surface Movement, a platform that promotes empowerment and inclusivity for women. She actively collaborates with the Ministry of Education and visits schools to discuss bullying and harassment, while also working with UNICEF and Forbes on anti-bullying campaigns.

When Logina Salah signed up for Miss Universe 2024, many were shocked and questioned her decision, given that she is a mother and has vitiligo. Despite the scepticism, she went on to participate, using the platform to spread the message of inclusivity. 

Logina Salah won the crown of hearts with her historic participation, taking a significant step forward in embracing beauty in all colours, shapes, and sizes through her participation in Miss Universe 2024.