Kataluna Enriquez Becomes First Trans Woman To Compete For Miss USA

Kataluna Enriquez, the First trans woman in Miss USA, made headlines after she wore a rainbow coloured gown in the Nevada pageant event to mark Pride month. While many celebrated her win on the internet, Enriquez wrote in an Instagram post, "My win is our win."

After beating 21 contestants to bag the Miss Nevada crown this week, Enriquez became the first trans woman to do so. Owing to her victory, Enriquez will now become the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Miss USA pageant this year.

First trans woman in Miss USA: Kataluna Enriquez

The 27-year-old model took to her Instagram account on June 28 to share a picture of herself in the rainbow-themed gown. The said post garnered over 20,000 likes. The picture, which was taken right after the prelims and before the finals, was captioned, "In honour of pride month, and all of those who don’t get a chance to spread their colours."

The following day, she posted a note, acknowledging her pageant mother, her team, sponsors and her supporters who helped in her victory. "My community, you are always in my heart. My win is our win. We just made history. Happy Pride," she added.

The upcoming Miss USA pageantry will be held on November 29. In a conversation with a local news channel KVVU-TV, she revealed that her journey was not easy as she struggled with physical and sexual abuse.

"Don’t let your differences determine what you’re capable of. Your differences are anything that makes you unique"- Kataluna Enriquez

Enriquez's win in the Miss USA will make her the second transgender woman to compete in the Miss Universe pageant after Spain’s Angela Ponce who did so in the year 2018.

According to a report by News 18, She will use the pageant platform to raise awareness about the transgender community.