Overcoming adversity, she inspires as a trailblazer in the pageant world

In a remarkable journey from facing bullying to making history, Kataluna Enriquez has become the first openly transgender woman to compete in the prestigious Miss USA pageant. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking societal barriers.

Growing up in the Philippines, Enriquez faced adversity from a young age, enduring mockery and bullying for expressing her true self. Moving to the US at 10, she grappled with a new culture, language, and the added challenges of being transgender. Despite experiencing racism and discrimination, Enriquez transitioned in 2011, only to face further bullying.

In an interview with Business Insider, Enriquez revealed that she had to teach herself to be ashamed of her cultural identity and suppress her true self. The concept of ‘mental health’ was unfamiliar in her household, but a counseling session in high school became a turning point, offering valuable support.

In 2015, Enriquez entered her first pageant, a trans pageant, aiming to regain confidence. Despite a mishap with her self-made dress, she continued honing her skills and eventually founded Kataluna Kouture, designing the gowns she wears in pageants.

Her groundbreaking moment came in 2021 when she participated in Miss USA, making history as the first openly transgender contestant. While facing backlash from critics, Enriquez remained focused on her mission.

“Being Asian American and also trans, there aren’t many people like me in the media. Growing up, I didn’t have someone to look up to, and I wanted to be that person to others,” she explained.

Although Enriquez was eliminated before the round of 16, her journey doesn’t end there. In the upcoming Miss International Queen USA, the premier pageant for trans individuals, she aims to provide a platform for authentic self-expression and showcase the vibrant diversity within the transgender community.

Enriquez’s story serves as an inspiration, breaking down barriers and creating space for representation and celebration within the pageant world.