- Miss Nevada Kataluna Eriquez was the first transgender woman in Miss USA.
- Miss Kentucky Elle Smith won the contest on Monday. “an honor”To share the stage alongside Enriquez.
- “I see her as a trans woman, but I see her as a woman,”Smith stated. “She had every right to be on that stage.”
History was made at this year’s Miss USA when Miss Nevada Kataluna Enriquez — the first transgender woman to compete in the pageant — took the stage.
Insider was told by Miss Kentucky Elle Smith that she took the crown Monday night. “an honor”She will be able to accompany her throughout the competition.
Smith noted that 2021 is the year of the most violence against trans people and she believed Enriquez had done it. “every right to be on that stage.”
Felipe Espinal/Miss USA
“Kataluna is an absolute gem, and it was an honor to take the stage with her,”Smith spoke to Insider within hours of winning the competition. “I see her as a trans woman, but I see her as a woman.”
Smith said: “She had every right to be on that stage. She was a competitor. She’s one of the most amazing people you’ll ever meet. I think, for her, it was another example of important representation, and I was so proud to take the stage with her.”
Felipe Espinal/Miss USA
Enriquez was also Miss Nevada’s first transgender female.
The pageant was held in June to celebrate Pride Month.
Enriquez stated that her win was even more special because it occurred on the 52nd anniversary Stonewall Riots.
“I fought to win so I can represent myself and represent my community,”She spoke. “I hope by winning, people can take the time to understand us, those who are misunderstood and underrepresented. It’s time that we change the conversation and seat everyone at the table.”
“The Miss USA and Miss Universe organization has changed its direction to represent all women and redefine beauty, and I’m looking forward to being a part of that movement,”She added.
Miss Universe opened Miss Universe 2012 to transgender contestants
So far, only one transgender woman — Miss Spain Angela Ponce in 2018 — has appeared in the competition.
Enriquez has previously spoken out about discrimination as a transgender women in pageant world. She said NPRIn July, organizers of an unknown pageant sent a doctor who would verify that she was a woman to allow her to compete.
Enriquez stated that the struggle was worth it to be able to stand proudly on stage.
“I had a purpose and I had a dream,”She spoke to the site. “When I was young, I always wanted to see someone on the Miss USA stage — someone like me. And it just happened to be that I was the person that I needed to make history.”