Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava relinquished her pageant title last week. Through a social media post, she announced that she is taking this step because her personal values no longer align with that of the pageant’s organization. The announcement came only two days after reigning Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt relinquished her title citing mental health reasons.
Previously, Srivastava was the winner of the Miss New Jersey Teen USA title before being selected as Miss Teen USA. She is of Indian and Mexican origin. Speaking in the media after her decision to give up her title, she said that she would continue to engage in charitable activities, and to uplift the voices of minorities including the Indian, Mexican communities, and the LGBTQ+ communities.
“I think it’s important that we advocate for the power of our voices and for acceptance, because ultimately, that is what I thought pageantry was supposed to be about and what I continue to do with the rest of my year,” she said.