By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff // Photography courtesy of MIQ-USA

Mark December 8th – 12th, 2024, as booked and busy! Miss International Queen – USA, the most prestigious beauty pageant for Transgender Women in America, is coming to Las Vegas, and it’s an event not to be missed.

Miss International Queen – USA (MIQ-USA) invites attendees and competitors to celebrate the beauty, tenacity, and diversity of transgender women with a range of talent, stories of resilience, and transformation. Attendees are bound to leave inspired and infinitely more joyful.

This transformative pageant supports LGBTQIA+ causes, and attendance will make a difference. Participants are encouraged to be part of something bigger.

LGBTQIA+ trailblazer and reigning MIQ-USA, Kataluna Enriquez, will grace the event with her presence throughout the pageant, also crowning her successor. Enriquez made history in 2021 as the first openly transgender woman to win the Miss Nevada USA pageant, ultimately competing at Miss USA. Throughout her tenure, Enriquez has passionately shared her story, empowering others.

Enriquez will pass the torch to the next lucky winner on the final day of the five-day event.

The week promises a star-studded array of events for audience members and VIP guests, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

December 8th: Press Conference and Sashing Ceremony

The event kicks off with a press conference, where excitement begins with each snapped picture. Contestants will feel like A-list celebrities as they are introduced to the world at the Sashing Ceremony, setting the stage for all the glamour and glory to come. This event is open to the public.

December 9th: Community Service and Gala Celebration

Day two combines pageantry and community service. Contestants will join hands at the LGBTQIA+ Center in Las Vegas for a transformative community project, preparing gifts for LGBTQIA youth in the community for the holidays.

The MIQ-USA pageant is made possible by the USA-based non-profit Be the Transformational Change (BTTC) Fund. The pageant’s profits go directly to BTTC, funding their work to empower the LGBTQIA+ community and tackle employment barriers, social injustice, and homelessness through inspiring events and educational programs.

The evening concludes with the official MIQ-USA Gala Event, where contestants will walk the red carpet and interact with VIP guests and judges, enjoying some of the finest Las Vegas cuisine.

December 10th: State Costume and Talent Competition

Day three features the State Costume and Talent portions of the competition at the 1,800-seat Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on the University of Nevada’s Las Vegas campus. Hosted by Shantell DeMarco, former MIQ Contestant and Miss Continental, and Mimi Marks, former Miss International Queen and Miss Continental, this day showcases the creativity of participants through unique costumes representing their home states, followed by the Talent portion, where contestants perform their most coveted skills.

December 11th: Educational Workshops and Preliminary Event

Day four focuses on enrichment and empowerment through educational workshops led by BTTC. The evening spotlights the Preliminary Event, hosted by the iconic Jazell Barbie Royale, featuring other well-known surprise appearances.

December 12th: The Grand Finale

The final night, hosted by Alexandra Billings, is a spectacular finale featuring live performances, celebrations, and the crowning of the 2024 Miss International Queen – USA. Alexandra Billings, a trans-American actress known for her roles in Transparent, ER, and other TV series, will be joined by Las Vegas entertainer and dancer Jayson Michael.

The week will also highlight performances and appearances from former Miss International Queen – USA contestants and celebrities, including Ada Vox, Mimi Marks, Jazelle Barbie Royale Tisci, Melony Munro, Shantell D’Marco, Stasha Sanchez, Camille Anderson, Jordan Olson, Domanique Shappelle, and more.

Tickets are available at MIQ-USA’s website. For volunteering opportunities, contact [email protected], and for sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].

For those unable to attend, donations to Be The Transformational Change Fund can still support LGBTQIA+ causes. 100% of proceeds go directly to the fund, advancing their mission toward equality, acceptance, and empowerment. Donations can be made via the QR code or by texting the keyword BTTC to 302-725-4509.

Follow them online: www.miqusa.com

Facebook: Miss International Queen USA

Instagram: @Missinternationalqueenusa

This article was originally published in the 52 issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.