First trans woman to compete in Miss Maine U.S.A. pageant

Isabelle St. Cyr is set to become the first openly trans woman to take part in the Miss Maine USA beauty pageant.

At 24 years of age, St. Cyr, who was born in Howland, Maine, is preparing for her debut pageant at Miss Maine USA in Portland next month, as reported by Bangor Daily News. Her participation comes amid a climate where President Donald Trump is targeting trans individuals across the nation; recently, he likened supporters of trans youth to child abusers in a public statement.

Trump’s second term commenced with several executive orders against transgender rights, including a February order seeking to exclude women from women’s sports.

In an interview with the publication, St. Cyr stressed that her decision to enter the pageant was not in reaction to Trump’s administration. She stated, “I’m just doing it because I love pageants and I just happen to be trans. I want to show everyone that trans women absolutely can do this pageant and can do well.”

According to ‘MSN’, St. Cyr also highlighted a common misunderstanding regarding the inclusivity of pageants, saying, “I think there’s a lack of education surrounding the pageant and how welcoming they truly are now.”

“They’ve opened up and changed the organization for the better, which is why I feel so proud to be with this organization rather than some others that maybe aren’t so open and welcoming to all women,” she explained. The Miss Maine USA event operates under the Miss Universe Organization, which in 2012 modified its rules to include trans women in competitions.

Ava Clemente, assistant director of the Clemente Organization responsible for producing the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, as well as state pageants in Massachusetts and Maine, commented, “The Miss Universe Organization is committed to being inclusive and reflective of the evolving values of our society. We celebrate all women who embody the values of confidence, community, and empowerment that the Miss USA program represents.”

Miss Maine USA is a two-day event featuring swimwear, gown, and interview segments; the interview accounts for 50% of a contestant’s score, while swimwear and gown each contribute 25%.

The pageant begins on May 10, with finalists announced on May 11, who will then participate in a question and answer segment.

Reflecting on her identity, St. Cyr shared, “I am trans but I am also just like everyone else. I grew up in a small town in Maine and I think that more people, if they gave me the chance, would realise that we have very similar experiences.”

St. Cyr currently resides in Monson, Massachusetts, where she owns a farm and holds the title of Miss Monson USA.