World’s largest trans beauty pageant crowns winner in gorgeous celebration of trans pride
Winner Miss Philippines Fuschia Anne Ravena and other contestants during the Miss International Queen 2022 transgender beauty contest (Photo by Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The world’s largest trans beauty pageant, Miss International Queen, has found its 2022 winner.
Fuschia Anne Ravena of the Philippines won the Miss International Queen 2022 pageant during a televised event in Pattaya, Thailand on Saturday (June 25).
She was up against other 23 contestants, with Colombia’s Jasmine Jimenez winning the runner-up spot and France’s Aëla Chanel coming in third.
After claiming the top spot, Ravena spoke about her journey in a speech to the audience, saying it “had not been easy”.
“I always think that the most beautiful asset of being a human and being a trans woman is not just a head that’s full of knowledge – [it] should be a heart that’s full of love and respect,” she said.
“The acceptance in my own home is the best gift I’ve received throughout my trans journey,” she added. “The trans community still has so [far] to go in the fight for equality and to be given this moment to speak up, I really want to maximise this opportunity and make a difference as much as I can.”
The 27-year-old entrepreneur hails from Cebu in the Philippines and is the third Filipina to win the trans beauty pageant. She was awarded 450,000 Thai baht (£10,361) in prize money, alongside various gifts from sponsors.
Winner Miss Philippines Fuschia Anne Ravena (C) is flanked by first runner-up ‘Miss Colombia’ Jasmine Jimenez (C-L) and second runner-up ‘Miss France’ Aela Chanel (C-R) and other contestants during the Miss International Queen 2022 transgender beauty contest in Pattaya, Chonburi province, Thailand, 25 June 2022. (Photo by Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ravena is already a staunch voice for the trans community, especially on social media where she posts gorgeous photoshoots with inspiring quotes to build the confidence of the LGBTQ+ community.
Miss International Queen has been going since 2004 but was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022’s event was the 16th edition of the pageant.
The Thailand-based show aims to “create equal acceptance in society” and “to raise the standard of transgender girl contest[s] to be accepted by the general public” according to its website.
It sees contestants take the stage in luxurious evening dresses and costumes that represent each of their countries. There are several different segments, including a question-and-answer section, where Ravena said that the goal of being a trans beauty queen was “to inspire others.”
