Transgender Miss Universe Canada contestant ousted from pageant

(CBS News) A transgender beauty contestant has been banned from Miss Universe Canada, sparking dialogue over whether women who were born as men should be allowed to compete in the pageant.

According to CTV News, Jenna Talackova, 23, was born male but has identified as a female since age 4. She started hormone therapy at 14 and had gender surgery five years later.

The 6' 1" blonde model made the finals in the Miss Vancouver pageant but was disqualified after organizers learned she wasn't a naturally born female.

"Jenna Talackova from Vancouver, British Columbia, will not compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada competition because she did not meet the requirements to compete despite having stated otherwise on her entry form," Miss Universe Canada organizers explained in a statement. "We do, however, respect her goals, determination and wish her the best."

But Talackova argues she's been discriminated against.

According to The Province newspaper, Talackova took to Twitter, writing, "I'm disqualified, however I'm not giving up. I'm not going to just let them disqualify me over discrimination."

Responding to criticism over the move, Miss Universe Canada national director Denis Davila told CTV News, "We have to have the facts straight. There is no discrimination here at all. You can look at it the way she wants to look at it ... but we all have to follow the same rules."

Tell us: Do you think Talackova should be allowed to compete for the title?