Kataluna Enriquez

[2] With her wins, she became the first openly transgender woman to earn the titles and to become qualified to compete in the Miss USA pageant.

[10] She has spoken publicly about her high school experiences surviving bullying, abuse, and discrimination due to her gender identity, as well as her positive experiences with mental health therapy during childhood.

[3] She has used the platform of pageants to advocate for inclusivity and diversity, and to promote transgender rights and support for LGBTQ+ youth.

[10][1][11][16] She also uses her social media to promote the hashtag #BEVISIBLE, in a campaign against hate that includes sharing her life experiences.

[20][21] Afterwards, Miss USA Elle Smith said it was "an honor" to participate with Enriquez and "she had every right to be on that stage".