Breaking Barriers: Trans Filipino American crowned Miss Nevada USA

Miss Nevada USA, Kataluna Enriquez.

When Kataluna Enriquez was crowned as Miss Nevada USA last Sunday, she made history in more ways than one. Not only was she the first Filipino American to win the title, but she is also the first transgender woman to win the crown.

The 27-year-old beauty queen will also become the first transgender woman to compete in the 2021 Miss USA pageant.

After winning the Nevada pageant, the Las Vegas resident posted on social media: "Huge thank you to everyone who supported me from day one," she wrote. "My community, you are always in my heart. My win is our win. We just made history. Happy pride."

Her victory won praise from the LGBTQ community.

"Kataluna Enriquez being crowned Miss Nevada is a huge win for trans visibility and sends a powerful, but simple message to the world: trans women are women," GLAAD's Head of Talent Anthony, Allen Ramos, said in a statement..

"I'm so proud of Kataluna's trailblazing win especially as a fellow trans Filipina sister," trans model and LGBTQ activist Geena Rocero shared in a statement with E! News. "This win will open doors for all pageant system to continuously advocate for the inclusion of trans women in all pageants not just in America but all over the world."

A 2011 graduate of San Leandro High School in the San Francisco Bay Area, Enriquez began her  modeling career the following year wining several pageants, including rMiss Hayward in the Miss California contest in 2020.

Prior to winning the Miss Nevada USA title, in May of 2021, she also won the crown for Miss Silver State USA.

"I wanted to share my story and present that I was more than just a body," Enriquez  said. "With pageantry, people think it is only about beauty. But it’s how you present yourself, what you advocate."