By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff
Photography courtesy of Anneli Adolfsson Photography & Andre McGowan

In a groundbreaking move, Miss International Queen™, the world’s largest pageant for transgender women, has announced the launch of Miss International Queen USA™, a U.S.-based franchise that will serve as the first official preliminary to the international pageant. The initiative is spearheaded by the nonprofit organization Be the Transformational Change Fund, emphasizing its commitment to addressing employment barriers, social injustice, and homelessness within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Set to kick off annually in Las Vegas starting in 2024, the Miss International Queen USA™ pageant marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and elevating the voices of transgender women in the United States. The pageant is not merely a celebration of beauty but a transformative force, aiming to bring about positive change in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Photo of Kataluna Enriquez by Andre McGowan

Jack Neilsen, the National Director at Miss International Queen USA™, expressed his joy at the announcement, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to transforming the lives of the LGBTQIA+ community. He highlighted the multifaceted approach of the pageant, which goes beyond traditional beauty standards to champion social change.

Be The Transformational Change, the nonprofit behind this groundbreaking initiative, is committed to creating lasting solutions through events like the Miss International Queen USA™ pageant and educational outreach programs. The primary objective is to inspire change and raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ rights and equality.

During the gala to unveil the U.S. pageant, leaders from diverse backgrounds were present, including prominent trans activists Judy Bowenweiner and Ashley Brundage, along with reigning Miss International Queen™ Solange Dekker and Alisa Phanthusak, the Chairwoman of Miss International Queen™. The event saw the crowning of Kataluna Enriquez as the first official Miss International Queen USA™ by Melony Munro, Miss International Queen USA™ 2023 and Second Alternate to Miss International Queen™ 2023.

Enriquez, the first trans woman to compete at Miss USA as Miss Nevada USA 2021, will carry the torch as the representative for Miss International Queen USA™ at the international pageant in Thailand in August 2024. Her commitment to advocacy for mental health and youth in the LGBTQIA+ community aligns with the transformative goals of the organization.

Expressing her honor to represent Miss International Queen USA™, Enriquez stated, “Working with Miss International Queen USA™ fills me with hope as we strive to elevate trans visibility and change the narrative for the community. As we make a difference in LGBTQIA+ lives, I aspire to be a positive inspiration as I continue to chase my dreams.”

Looking ahead to the Miss International Queen USA™ 2025 pageant, contestants will be evaluated not only on their beauty but also on their community involvement. The pageant aims to empower participants through educational sessions on self-empowerment, career development, and business skills. The winners will become ambassadors of change during their reign, furthering the organization’s mission.

Applications for the Miss International Queen USA™ 2025 pageant in Las Vegas will open on January 1, 2024. The crowned contestant will then represent the United States at the Miss International Queen™ pageant in Thailand in 2025. This venture marks a significant stride toward creating a more inclusive and accepting world, one where transgender women can be celebrated for their beauty, intelligence, and, most importantly, their capacity to drive positive change.

This article was originally published in the 2023 Holiday Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.