Midori Monet of the USA reacts after being crowned the winner of the Miss International Queen 2025. (Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
**American trans woman Midori Monet has been named Miss International Queen 2025.** This prestigious beauty pageant, exclusively for trans women, was held on September 20, 2025, and crowned Monet amidst cheers and celebrations. The event’s theme revolved around inclusivity, equality, and pride within trans communities globally, making it a significant moment in the ongoing fight for rights and recognition.
As the crown was placed upon her head, an emotional Monet expressed deep gratitude, stating, “I feel I am living out my ancestors’ wildest dreams: being here, loud and proud in my skin, happy with who I am, and representing my entire community. It feels so amazing and I’m so happy to do it alongside my sisters. It means the world to me.” Her heartfelt words resonated with many, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation for the trans community.
The event was not just about crowning a winner; it created a platform where contestants like Khleo Ambrose from Malaysia and Kaycia Lee from Indonesia quickly took to social media to congratulate Monet, reinforcing the sense of sisterhood and solidarity among participants. Monet herself later referred to Miss Malaysia as a “true sister and queen,” a statement that captured the essence of the event as a celebration of unity among the trans community.
Monet’s victory comes with a powerful commitment to visibility. In an interview with Gayety, she emphasized the importance of standing up and making a difference. “We need to be visible. We need to stand up and use our voices to show everyone that we are thriving,” she declared, taking a firm stance against the discrimination and hate that trans individuals often face, particularly in the U.S.
Sharing her journey, she remarked, “We are human beings. We have hearts, emotions, and feelings just like everyone else.” Such statements are crucial not just for the trans community but for society as a whole, pushing for understanding and empathy.
After being crowned, Monet expressed her thoughts on life’s challenges. “I’m taking it one step at a time and focusing on being triumphant in the daily battle that is life,” she shared in an interview with TransLiving International. This candidness about her personal struggles makes her not only a role model but also a relatable figure for many.
Who is Midori Monet?
Midori Monet hails from Tacoma, Washington, and currently resides in Seattle. Her background is as vibrant as her journey; a glimpse of her Instagram account reveals her passion for pageantry alongside expressions of her spirituality, featuring biblical quotes that resonate with her identity.
She co-founded The House of Scott, described as a “chosen family for queer youth,” a safe haven where members can express themselves freely and find acceptance. Alongside her brother Mufasa, a model himself, they aim to create a nurturing environment amidst growing societal challenges.
Monet’s introduction to beauty pageants began with Miss Washington USA, where she showcased her talent and poise. Drawing inspiration from figures like Kenya Moore, who became Miss USA in 1993, Monet’s ambition reflects a deep-rooted desire to pave the way for future generations in the pageantry world.
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