In a history-making moment, Filipino-American transgender woman Kataluna Enriquez has qualified to compete in the upcoming Miss USA pageant after capturing the Miss Nevada crown on Monday, June 28.
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Donning a glimmering gown with a shimmering rainbow shade, the 27-year-old stunner bested 21 other candidates during the coronation night at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas to represent the state of Nevada in the imminent Miss USA pageant.
On her Instagram, Enriquez took to Instagram to share a photo of her dress which she made herself, along with the inspiration behind its creation. “In honor of pride month, and all of those who don’t get a chance to spread their colors,” she wrote.
This makes Enriquez the first openly transgender woman to vie for the Miss USA title since the event started in 1952. Should she win the competition, she will be the second trans woman to compete in the Miss Universe pageant following Spain’s Angela Ponce back in 2018.
The official Instagram account of Miss Nevada-USA congratulated Enriquez for the history-making win with a post-pageant photo of her joined by pageant director Shanna Moakler.
One of the several personalities who celebrated Enriquez’s win was Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan, who shared photos of the victory on her social media.
The Miss USA pageant will take place on November 29 at the Paradise Cove Theater of River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
