Kataluna Enriquez will be the second trans woman to join the Miss Universe pageant after Spain's Angela Ponce in 2018, granting she would win Miss USA.
Filipino-American model Kataluna Enriquez made history as she became the first openly transgender woman to compete for the title of Miss USA after being crowned Miss Nevada USA on Monday (June 28, Philippine time).
Wearing a rainbow-coloured sequin dress to acknowledge Pride month which she designed herself, the 27-year-old said she wore the gown
"in honor of pride month, and all of those who don’t get a chance to spread their colors."
“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 Fil-Am then posted on her Instagram to thank everyone for their support throughout the competition.
Fil-Am Miss Nevada Kataluna Enriquez photo from mskataluna, Instagram
“You are all inspiring,” she wrote on Instagram. “Your love, support and sisterhood has healed many years of struggle. My times and giggles with y’all never be replaceable.
“I couldn’t have done it without your help. Huge thank you to everyone who supported me from day one. My community, you are always in my heart. My win is our win. We just made history. Happy pride.”
In March of this year, Enriquez went on to win Miss Silver State USA, the preliminary round for Miss Nevada and then took the crown from 21 other candidates for the title of Miss Nevada, making her a candidate in the upcoming Miss USA pageant which will be held on November 29.
Kataluna will only be the second trans woman to join the Miss Universe pageant after Spain's Angela Ponce in 2018, granting she would win Miss USA.
Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan took to twitter to celebrate Enriquez's victory.
"Our trans Pinay sister, Kataluna Enriquez, made history today! She won Miss Nevada 2021. She will be the first trans woman to compete at the Miss USA Pageant!" she tweeted.
Filipino-American model and transgender-rights advocate Geena Rocero also shared a photo of Enriquez on her Instagram stories with the caption,
“Congrats Trans Pinay sis, making history!”
In 2018, Kataluna appeared in Eat Bulaga's "Super Sireyna Worldwide" segment in which she represented the United States. (NP)
Tags: #MissUSA, #LGBTQIA+, #transgender, #KatalunaEnriquez