Kataluna Enriquez just broke a new record as the pageant, Miss USA, becomes more inclusive. She was crowned last June 27, as Miss Nevada USA, making her the first trans woman competing with the Miss USA title.
Miss Nevada USA took it to their official Instagram to congratulate Kataluna Enriquez. History has been made since it was the first time a transwoman will be competing for Miss USA. Enriquez also celebrated on her own personal Instagram account @mskataluna. She posted about how happy and how grateful she is for the support she received throughout her journey.
To honor Pride Month, she was wearing a glamorous rainbow sequin gown that she designed during the coronation. She will also be representing the silver state on the upcoming Miss USA pageant held in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 29.
Kataluna Enriquez started competing in prestigious competitions back in 2015. Since she wasn’t able to afford a custom design gown, she started designing the instead. This also leads to Kataluna Enriquez opening up her own line named Kataluna Kouture.
The journey of Kataluna Enriquez was never easy. She has always faced criticism and discrimination. She wasn’t also given a roommate when competing in a pageant outside Nevada once they’ve learned that she’s a transwoman. She was even required to pass a doctor’s certificate before she was allowed to compete in the pageant.
Despite the challenges, she won the crown. Now she is the hope, pride, and honor that transwomen can finally become Miss USA.