Fil-Am Kataluna Enriquez is first trans woman to qualify for Miss USA

Filipino-American transgender woman Kataluna Enriquez was crowned Miss Nevada on Monday, June 28 (Sunday, June 27 in the US) during the pageant’s coronation night in South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, US.

Enriquez bested 21 other candidates to represent Nevada in the upcoming Miss USA pageant. She will be the first transgender woman to compete for the Miss USA title. 

“Congratulations to our new Miss Nevada USA @mskataluna. History made!” the official account of Miss Nevada wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of Enriquez with pageant director Shanna Moakler.

The 27-year-old beauty queen wore a rainbow-inspired gown that she designed herself for the coronation night. “In honor of Pride month, and all of those who don’t get a chance to spread their colors,” Enriquez said. 

Before competing in Miss Nevada, Enriquez won the Miss Silver State USA, the preliminary round for Miss Nevada, in March 2021. “It was honestly a celebration of womanhood and diversity and this celebration of being your true self,” she told FOX5 after her coronation then. 

Among those who celebrated Enriquez’ victory were Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan, and Filipino-American model and transgender-rights advocate Geena Rocero.

“She will be the first trans woman to compete at the Miss USA pageant,” Habijan wrote in a tweet. 

Rocero also shared a photo of Enriquez on her Instagram stories and said, “Congrats Trans Pinay sis, making history!” 

Geena Rocero’s Instagram

The Miss USA pageant will be held on November 29. If Enriquez wins, she could become the second trans woman to compete on the Miss Universe stage after Spain’s Angela Ponce. – Rappler.com