Transgender Latina Khloe Rios-Wyatt to Compete in Miss International Queen USA Pageant
As a transgender Latina, Khloe Rios-Wyatt has been fighting for her community by providing what she calls "life-saving resources" to trans and gender-nonconforming communities in Orange County.
The Inaugural U.S. Pageant
Starting Sunday, Dec. 8, she’ll be taking center stage as one of 26 contestants at the first U.S. edition of the all-trans Miss International Queen USA beauty pageant. This inaugural U.S. pageant is the first-of-its-kind, with trans women vying in Las Vegas for $10,000 — and the opportunity to compete with full financial support for the 2025 Miss International Queen title, an international trans pageant in Thailand.
More Than Just Beauty
"This pageant platform is more than just beauty," said Rios-Wyatt, a 35-year-old Rancho Cucamonga resident. "It’s about empowering community members and creating visibility for the trans community. It’s also part of the culture of the LGBTQ community."
Background and Impact
Rios-Wyatt, who is competing for the first time in the U.S., is the co-founder and CEO of the Santa Ana-based nonprofit group Alianza Translatinx. From its humble beginnings in 2020 passing out food to Latinx trans people during the pandemic, the organization has grown to offer housing support, mental health services, food, emergency relief, and a community space in Santa Ana.
Challenges and Opportunities
Until a few years ago, trans people have largely been excluded from mainstream pageants such as Miss Universe and others. However, many other aspects of LGBTQ+ culture, like ballroom culture and drag shows, have elements of pageantry such as talent, dancing, elegant looks, and community service. Drag pageantry is another form of LGBTQ+ participation in pageant culture.
Inclusive Pageants
Miss Universe had its first two trans competitors internationally in 2018 and in the United States in 2023. In 2022, trans businesswoman and activist Chakrapong "Anne" Chakrajutathib bought Miss Universe. The following year, the pageant changed its guidelines to be more inclusive of ages, marital status, body shapes, and more, which sparked backlash from traditional pageant participants and others upset that trans women were allowed to compete.
Miss International Queen
Miss International Queen, a trans pageant, has been around since 2004, showcasing trans women from around the world in hopes of promoting greater acceptance for trans women, raising awareness of trans rights globally, and collecting money for charity, said Todd Montgomery, national director for Miss International Queen USA.
Competitors and Goals
Alianza is the only trans-led nonprofit group working with trans people in Santa Ana and Orange County, Rios-Wyatt said. She hopes that participating in the pageant will foster greater trans visibility, more support for her organization, and fight against what she calls anti-trans rhetoric and promises by President-elect Donald Trump to limit transgender rights.
Conclusion
The Miss International Queen USA pageant is a unique opportunity to shine a light on the challenges we face and the strength of our community. It’s about highlighting our fight for equality, amplifying our voices, and building the support that’s necessary to secure our future. We cannot afford to wait for change — we must create it now.
FAQs
Q: What is the Miss International Queen USA pageant?
A: The Miss International Queen USA pageant is an all-trans beauty pageant that aims to promote greater acceptance for trans women, raise awareness of trans rights globally, and collect money for charity.
Q: What is the purpose of the pageant?
A: The purpose of the pageant is to provide a platform for trans women to showcase their talents, beauty, and personalities, while also raising awareness and funds for the LGBTQ+ community.
Q: Who is Khloe Rios-Wyatt?
A: Khloe Rios-Wyatt is a transgender Latina who is competing in the Miss International Queen USA pageant. She is the co-founder and CEO of the Santa Ana-based nonprofit group Alianza Translatinx.
Q: What is Alianza Translatinx?
A: Alianza Translatinx is a nonprofit organization that provides housing support, mental health services, food, emergency relief, and a community space for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals in Santa Ana and Orange County.
Q: How can I watch the pageant?
A: The competition’s final night will be livestreamed on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for virtual viewing can be purchased for $24.99 at BetheTransformationalChange.org/miq-usa-tickets.
