By Jamie BoothAs Trans Awareness Week highlights the lives and stories of transgender individuals, attention turns to the upcoming Miss International Queen USA pageant. Scheduled for December 10-12 in Las Vegas, this celebrated competition spotlights transgender women nationwide, offering a platform to showcase their remarkable journeys of transformation and resilience.Reigning Miss International Queen USA, Kataluna Enriquez, will lead this years event. A trailblazer in pageantry, Enriquez made history in 2021 as the first openly transgender woman to win the title of Miss Nevada USA, later competing in Miss USA. Most recently, she represented the U.S. at the Miss International Queen competition in Thailand, earning the Best Talent award and placing in the Top Six overall.RELATED: Kataluna Enriquez makes history as out trans pageant winner in NevadaEnriquez is excited to appear at this years Miss International Queen USA pageant, where the countrys leading trans pageant contestants will compete in categories such as evening gown and costumes representing their states, but the heart of the event lies in their compelling stories of perseverance, reflecting the diverse experiences of transgender individuals.On the final night, Enriquez will pass her crown to the next titleholder, someone who will carry forward her legacy of courage and empowerment. We spoke with Kataluna Enriquez from her home in Las Vegas.RELATED: How this trans woman broke barriers at Miss USAHow has your year as Miss International Queen USA impacted your life?Kataluna Enriquez: My year as Miss international Queen USA has offered me the opportunity to connect with people all over the country. It has allowed me to share my story and advocate for mental health. Its also helped me to brush up on my English! English is my third language and the language barrier was a hurdle, especially in the beginning, but Ive managed it pretty nicely.How has your platform helped to advance visibility and advocacy for the transgender community?KE: Simply being a representation of hope and resilience advances the visibility of trans people. Like many trans people of color, I am a survivor of physical, sexual and mental abuse. Many of us are often ashamed of our traumatic experiences, but as Miss International Queen USA, I made it my purpose to be vocal and to share my experiences openly. Its important to tackle trauma, shame and fear head on and my hope is that by standing my ground and finding success on my terms, it will encourage younger generations to know that anything is possible.RELATED: Kataluna Enriquez is an Advocate magazine Champion of Pride 2021 from the Rugged West magazine Champion of Pride 2021 from the Rugged WestWhat were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your reign?KE: There was a lot of pressure in being the first to represent the new USA franchise in the Miss International Queen pageant. Preparations for the international competition were extremely tough. I wanted to make sure that my wardrobe and packaging were more than exceptional. The two weeks I was in Thailand competing for the international crown, I didnt get more than four hours of sleep each night. So many hours went into sewing, finishing gowns, wardrobes, and working on speeches. It was a lot and though I may have not won the crown, I did win everyone's heart.As you prepare to crown your successor, what advice would you give to the next Miss International Queen USA?KE: My advice to the next Miss International Queen USA is to know and love yourself. There will be plenty of naysayers, but what is more important is the love that you have for yourself. Self-love radiates like no other, especially on stage. No one can surpass you when you are fearless and have a great understanding of who you are and your purpose.What do you think the future holds for pageants like Miss International Queen in terms of promoting inclusion and diversity?KE: Miss International Queen USA will continue the legacy of paving the way of what it means to be brave and to be free. What is your next goal?KE: My next goal is to one day compete on RuPaul's Drag Race. I'd like to be the first Miss USA competitor to compete on the show and the first Filipino American to win it! Drag has been extremely influential to my win and reign. It has shaped me and my ability to express myself fearlessly. There are many stories I havent shared with the world yet. Stories from my childhood and from all of the pageants that I have competed in. There were so many things I had to hide to survive and I cannot wait for the world to hear all about it.On the final night, when you place the crown on your successors head, what emotions do you expect to feel, and how will this moment resonate in the history of transgender representation?KE: The emotion I will feel the night of crowning my successor is simple: grateful.Miss International Queen USA takes place December 1012, 2024 in Las Vegas. Tickets are available now at Bethetransformationalchange.org/miq-usa-tickets. Follow on Facebook at Miss International Queen USA and on Instagram @Missinternationalqueenusa.