April 3, 2012 -- Updated 1144 GMT (1944 HKT) New York (CNN) -- After initially disqualifying a transgender contestant, organizers of the Miss Universe beauty pageant have reversed course saying she can participate. The news came a day before Talackova was expected to hold a news conference with high-profile feminist lawyer Gloria Allred to talk about her experience. Vast portions of west and central Africa have become so dry that they can't support crops, livestock and the millions of people who live there. Less than two years ago, Myanmar's leaders were trying to silence pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Not any longer. April 3, 2012 -- Updated 0842 GMT (1642 HKT) How the young Romanian became an Olympic legends on her way to three gold medals at the 1976 Montreal Games. April 3, 2012 -- Updated 1157 GMT (1957 HKT) April 3, 2012 -- Updated 1034 GMT (1834 HKT) Meet the Afghan female boxers preparing for the fight of their lives at this year's London Olympics. April 3, 2012 -- Updated 1048 GMT (1848 HKT) South African John Meletse, who is HIV postive, has been sharing his story to inspire open communication about sex