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The 70th Miss USA pageant has been described as “the most woke Miss USA ever” as it included the pageant’s first-ever transgender contestant.
Miss Nevada USA 2021 Kataluna Enriquez, the first-ever transgender contestant, was reportedly eliminated early in the competition.
Enriquez was eliminated before the final 16 contestants. 27-year-old Enriquez later attended a celebration in her honor at The Garden Las Vegas while Miss Kentucky, Elle Smith, was crowned the winner.
23-year-old Smith, 23, said, “A little over a year ago, I sat in bed and watched Miss USA.”
“I remember watching so many incredible women grace the stage and thinking, ‘I want to be on that stage. I want to be like them.’”
“I made that dream reality,” she added.
The 70th pageant was dubbed “Pageantry Reimagined” and the “wokest” Miss USA ever.
Smith is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and was vice president of the school’s chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
Enriquez explained that the sex transition occurred at age 14.
Enriquez was battling thoughts of suicide, she says.
“I didn’t have the easiest journey in life,” Enriquez said. “It was a struggle for a moment.”
“I struggled with physical and sexual abuse. I struggled with mental health,” Enriquez said.
“Don’t let your differences determine what you’re capable of. Your differences is anything what makes you unique, and you are capable of anything as long as you believe in yourself.”
I am still in disbelief that tonight just happened. I am humbled and thrilled to be your Miss Kentucky USA 2021. It is a true honor and I will serve Kentucky to the best of my ability over the next year. Now let’s get to work 😉 {📸: @edwinshawphotog} @centertech @realprocprodmuo pic.twitter.com/zqesDwx3MJ
— Elle Smith (@MissKYUSA) May 23, 2021
