Mariana Guayara, a Women’s Physique competitor with a beard and mustache, has fans talking about the direction of the sport. In early August, she went viral after showcasing her new look online.
Guayara has been a staple in the IFBB Pro League Women’s Physique category. Thanks to her symmetry and conditioning, she quickly found her footing in the Pro ranks. In 2022, she picked up 15th place at the stacked Europa Pro Championships.
A week later, when she battled at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro, that experience paid off. Guayara secured fifth place, proof of her potential in the category. As a biological female, some were taken aback by her new look during the 2025 bodybuilding season. This left many to wonder about the presentation standards in the Women’s Physique division.
Women’s Physique Competitor Causes Controversy Over Facial Hair
The bodybuilding community had mixed reactions, with some praising her look while others, such as Lee Priest, expressed confusion.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“I think I read she a woman who wants to live as a man. Well men don’t compete with women and wear bikinis. Pick a side nut job” Priest shared.
In an RxMuscle interview, Priest followed up, giving more unfiltered insight into Guayara’s choice to sport facial hair:
“If you’re a woman, why you trying to do the beard and stuff? It’s just for attention,” said Priest. “Okay, you’re a woman competing in the women’s, then why do you got the beard and mustache for? I don’t understand.”
“I don’t know what the goal is, probably just to get attention,” he said. “I never understood why women who really don’t like men in a lesbian relationship one always tries to look like a man. Some of those butch ones hate men that much, I’m like, if you hate men that much, why are all your sex toys shaped like men’s penises?”
Other IFBB Pros chimed in, giving their thoughts on whether Guayara has the right to present herself as masculine on a bodybuilding stage reserved for females:
“I agree!! She should not get on stage like this, it’s women’s physique you choose to look like a woman or choose not to compete in women’s physique.. such a bad look for the sport..” said Alyssa Isley.
One commenter explained that Guayara lives her life as a male, but competes as a biological female:
“She lives as a he but is a biological female hence women’s Division”
Another shared that, ultimately, it’s up to contest judges to determine whether having a mustache and beard is appropriate for the Women’s Physique division.
“Let the Judges decide !!! They are the only opinions that will matter in the end.”
“I would think the judges would count that against her. Presentation is a part of it correct?” a commenter added.
Some individuals were less accepting of her decision to sport facial hair in the women’s class.
“Sure ruin it for everyone else. Your sport is hanging on by a thread. It’s already been axed once. Doing this is just going make it even more unpopular. But hey why think of anyone but yourself. That’s the liberal climate that’s been spread around so I’m sure you never even thought of the repercussions towards your fellow competitors. Makes me sick.”
In 2024, there was controversy over the possible creation of the Men’s Wellness category. This came after a regional event included Men’s Wellness competitors onstage. While some fans were receptive to the idea, other commenters stressed that it was a ‘slap in the face’ to female competitors.
Bodybuilding’s popularity has depended on its inclusivity and openness to everyone. Do you believe Mariana Guayara has the right to compete in Women’s Physique with facial hair? Let us know in the comments!
RELATED: Trans Fitness Coach Says “Bodybuilding Is The Perfect Sport for Trans Men”
Watch the full RxMuscle — Truth in Bodybuilding video below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
Bodybuilding is a visual sport. Mariana Guayara, presenting male secondary sex characteristics while wearing a bikini, is merely fueling the controversy and prejudice against female bodybuilding. The “Wellness” and “Model” female categories resulted, I believe, in main part to show that fitness is for all women of all shapes and sizes. Guayara, however, has taken it to an bewildering extreme. Maybe it should be a requirement that a woman must present visually as a female (shave the facial hair!) to compete in the women’s categories; until now, such a criterion wasn’t required but it’s a sign of the times. She’s become the sideshow attraction: the bearded lady of bodybuilding.