Kataluna Enriquez has been crowned Miss Nevada. Photo / Instagram
Kataluna Enriquez has been crowned Miss Nevada. Photo / Instagram
Kataluna Enriquez will become the first openly transgender woman to compete in Miss USA after stunning onlookers in Las Vegas.
Filipino-American model Kataluna Enriquez has put "years of struggle" behind her to create history and become the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Nevada.
Wearing a rainbow-coloured sequin dressto acknowledge Pride month, the 27-year-old was crowned at a glittering event at a Las Vegas casino over the weekend.
Kataluna Enriquez will compete for the Miss USA title. Photo / Instagram
Enriquez, who was crowned Miss Silver State at a lead-up event to the state competition, thanked the pageant community for their unwavering support.
"You are all inspiring," she wrote on Instagram. "Your love, support and sisterhood has healed many years of struggle. My times and giggles with y'all never be replaceable.
Enriquez was crowned Miss Silver State earlier this year (left), and the 27-year-old has been widely celebrated online (right). Photos / Instagram
"I couldn't have done it without your help. Huge thank you to everyone who supported me from day one. My community, you are always in my heart. My win is our win. We just made history. Happy pride."
CONGRATULATIONS TO KATALUNA ENRIQUEZ, THE NEW MISS NEVADA USA!
SHE WILL BE THE FIRST TRANS WOMAN TO COMPETE AT MISS USA!
