A Beauty Pageant That Is Much More than Crowns and Gowns

Miss International Queen – USA (MIQ-USA) returns this month with a bold new vision as it crowns its 2026 titleholder in Atlantic City on March 26–27. Following a celebrated debut in Las Vegas — where Vegas 411 hailed the production as “the new crown jewel in Las Vegas shows” — the nation’s premier pageant for transgender women enters its next chapter with an ambitious theme: “A Portrait of Possibility.”

Produced by the Be The Transformational Change Fund (BTTC), MIQ-USA is positioning itself as far more than a two-night spectacle. Under the leadership of National Director Todd Montgomery, the organization is reframing pageantry as a sustained leadership platform grounded in visibility, advocacy, and professional development.

“The theme ‘A Portrait of Possibility’ came from the idea that each contestant is not just stepping onto a stage, she is bringing her entire lived experience with her,” Montgomery explains. “You’ll see sculptural staging elements, contemporary dance, original music, and immersive LED storytelling that feels intentional but not overly theatrical. We want it to feel curated, almost like walking through a gallery, but still very human.”

The metaphor of “living art” shapes every element of this year’s production. While audiences can expect high-level entertainment and polished visuals, Montgomery emphasizes that the most powerful portrait will not be created by lighting or choreography. “It’s the women themselves. Their advocacy, their careers, their families, the communities they represent — that’s what gives the production weight. Each contestant’s story is different. That difference is the point.”

The move to Atlantic City marks a strategic and symbolic expansion for the pageant. “Las Vegas was an incredible debut for us,” Montgomery says. “But as we looked toward long-term growth, Atlantic City made strategic sense.” Its geographic accessibility across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic allows more families and supporters to attend, broadening the pageant’s national footprint.

There is also historic resonance. Atlantic City has long been associated with American pageantry, and hosting MIQ-USA there situates transgender women firmly within that legacy of national competition and leadership. “Hosting MIQ-USA there places transgender women directly within that historic framework,” Montgomery notes. New Jersey’s strong LGBTQIA+ protections further reinforced the decision. “We wanted a location that reflects our values and supports our contestants fully.”

Festivities begin Thursday, March 26, with a press conference and Sashing Ceremony introducing contestants to the public. That evening, Preliminary Night at The Concert Venue at Harrah’s will feature State Costume presentations and professional production numbers, hosted by former international titleholders Jazell Barbie Royale and Mimi Marks.

Notably, MIQ-USA has eliminated the traditional talent competition as a judged category. “Talent has never been a judged category in MIQ-USA,” Montgomery explains. “For 2026, we removed the contestant talent segment entirely to keep the focus where we believe it belongs: leadership, platform, and communication.” Instead, time is devoted to featured performers and production showcases.

The Finals on Friday, March 27, will spotlight swimsuit, evening gown, and on-stage Q&A segments, with Montgomery and Mimi Marks serving as hosts. But behind the glamour lies a rigorous evaluation process. “The in-person interview accounts for a huge percentage of the total score,” Montgomery says. “Judges spend significant time evaluating clarity of purpose, depth of advocacy, and how prepared each contestant is to serve in a national role as well as an international role. Presentation still matters. But it does not outweigh substance.”

Indeed, MIQ-USA’s distinction lies in its year-round preparation model. In the months leading up to pageant week, contestants participate in sessions covering media readiness, advocacy strategy, wellness, public speaking, financial literacy, legal rights, and professional growth. During pageant week, they also complete community service initiatives — this year assembling backpacks filled with school supplies for disadvantaged youth in the surrounding area.

“MIQ-USA isn’t designed as a single-week competition,” Montgomery says. “It’s structured as a leadership platform that builds over time.”

This year’s event will also feature a special appearance by reigning international queen Midori Monet, whose 2025 win in Thailand made her only the third contestant from the United States to claim the global title. She will return to crown her successor, symbolizing the pathway from national stage to international impact.

As national conversations around transgender visibility continue to evolve, Montgomery believes MIQ-USA plays a crucial cultural role. Citing research from GLAAD indicating many Americans still believe they do not personally know someone who is transgender, he sees the pageant as a bridge.

“MIQ-USA provides an opportunity for audiences to meet accomplished, multidimensional women in a structured, dignified setting,” he says. “We’re not trying to argue with culture. We’re trying to participate in it, at a high level. If someone leaves the event seeing transgender individuals with greater clarity and understanding, then we’ve done our job.”

Tickets are available at Bethetransformationalchange.org/miq-usa-tickets. Those unable to attend may support the BTTC Fund by texting BTTC to 302-725-4509. All proceeds directly benefit LGBTQIA+ causes.