"The Miss Universe Organization made the right decision and has taken an important first step, " the group said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Talackova could compete provided "she meets the legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, and the standards established by other international competitions, " the Miss Universe Organization said.

CNN: Miss Universe pageant opens to transgender contestant

"For more than two weeks, the Miss Universe Organization and Mr. Trump made it clear to GLAAD that they were open to making a policy change to include women who are transgender, " said GLAAD spokesman Herndon Graddick.

CNN: Miss Universe pageant ends ban on transgender contestants