Pageant Queen

The following was graciously provided to Diversity Rules Magazine by Ryan Barnett and the fine folks at Project Publicity.

Miss International Queen USA 2025, Midori Monet, is preparing to make history this September as she embarks on the journey of a lifetime to compete in the Miss International Queen pageant in Pattaya, Thailand. As the world’s largest and most prestigious beauty competition for transgender women, the event represents far more than just a crown for Monet. It’s a profoundly personal milestone, a symbol of representation, and the fulfillment of a dream decades in the making.

“It feels surreal,” Monet shares. “To not only represent my country, but to do so on behalf of all trans women in the USA, and with their support behind me, is a dream come true.”

A former Miss USA contestant and full-time performer, Monet brings with her a wealth of experience under the spotlight. Yet, competing on the global stage carries a unique weight. This will be her first time traveling overseas. “I’ve never traveled outside of America, other than to visit my ballroom family and the kids I mentor in Vancouver,” she explains from her Seattle home. “So this is truly a first.”

Monet’s preparations go beyond hair, gowns, and rehearsals. She’s also embarking on a journey of self-discovery and cultural exchange. “Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles,” she continues. “From the music to the hospitality to the rich traditions, it all sounds like a beautiful and life-changing experience. But if I had to choose one thing, I’m most excited to see how differently transgender people are treated outside of the USA.”

The Miss International Queen pageant will be live-streamed to millions of viewers worldwide. Last year, the competition drew over 2.1 million viewers — a level of global visibility that would be daunting for some. But for Monet, the stage is where she feels most alive. “Being on stage is where I feel most comfortable because it’s the one place I don’t have to worry about fitting in. It’s where I can stand out with purpose.”

Monet’s message for the world is rooted in self-love, resilience, and “trans joy,” a concept she defines as “the ability to laugh in the face of inequality and oppression.” For Monet, being visible on a platform like Miss International Queen is an act of resistance and hope. “For far too long, trans lives have been targeted through violence and legislation. That’s why it’s so important for me to show that I won’t let any of that bring me down. I will continue to wake up and choose to love myself, even when society tells me I shouldn’t.”

Her day-to-day preparation is deeply intentional. In a sneak peek from her upcoming book Mirror Mirror, Monet shares her personal morning routine: “I start with Gratitude First. I say, ‘I’m grateful to wake up. I’m grateful for rest. I’m open to whatever today brings.’ Then I focus on full-body self-care, from drinking water to washing my face. Self-care isn’t just about what’s cute. It’s about showing love to every inch of your body. I plan with purpose and connect with my inner child. I remind myself that I believe in myself.”

Support from the Miss International Queen USA team has also played a key role in her preparations.

“When I competed in MIQUSA, I did the majority of everything – from designing my clothes to creating my competition package – on my own,” she says. “This time, I have help from not only former top pageant queens in the USA, but I’ve also been given access to different opportunities to elevate my preparation.”

As one of the very few African American contestants to ever compete in Miss International Queen, Monet is approaching her wardrobe and performance as a celebration of all her intersecting identities. “I want everything I do in Thailand to be a love letter to all that I represent,” she says. “I want to showcase Black culture and all of my identities in every stage and room I walk into.”

That authenticity, she believes, is what makes her a powerful contender and role model. “There’s often this expectation in pageantry for contestants to be perfect idols with college degrees and successful businesses,” Monet explains. “I want to break that stigma and show that regular people, who might not have all the bells and whistles attached to their name, can achieve anything too.”

The impact of her reign is already being felt across the country. “Honestly, the biggest surprise has been the impact I’ve had on younger trans and LGBTQ+ lives,” she reflects. “Hearing directly from my community about how much it means to see me shine and tell my story is what matters most.”

For Monet, success in Thailand won’t be measured solely by a crown. “I hope to walk away knowing that I gave my full self to this experience,” she says. “I want to feel proud of the love, effort, and time I poured into this journey. Spiritually, I hope to feel even more aligned with my purpose. This isn’t just about a crown. It’s about becoming the woman I’ve always dreamed of being and letting the world witness what it means to love yourself unapologetically.”

As Midori Monet boards her flight to Thailand, she carries with her not only the hopes of a nation but the dreams of an entire community. Her journey is more than a pageant. It’s a powerful affirmation that trans lives are beautiful, worthy, and destined to shine.

Follow Miss International Queen – USA on FB and IG @MissInternationalQueenUSA.

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