In a historic moment, the state of Nevada in the United States welcomed, on Sunday (June 27), Kataluna Enriquez, a transgender woman, as the first-ever transgender queen in the pageant’s history.

The 27-year-old made her mark while participating in the 2021 Miss Nevada competition held at the South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

Enriquez, who beat out 21 other contestants to the crown, will now become the first transgender woman to compete in the 2021 Miss USA pageant.

Making her trailblazing win even more special is the fact that Enriquez earned her Miss Nevada title amid 2021 Pride month celebrations.

Taking to Instagram to celebrate her historic victory on Monday, Enriquez wrote: “To my pageant mommy @rissrose2, no words can describe how much I am grateful of you. For your constant support, for welcoming me in to your home, and feeding me nothing but love.”

The post continued, “Team @misssilverstate, you are all inspiring. your love, support and sisterhood has healed many years of struggle. My times and giggles with y’all never be replaceable.”

Making time to celebrate both her fans and sponsors, the Miss Nevada title holder said: “To all the sponsors, Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without your help. Huge thank you to everyone who supported me from day one.”

In acknowledging that her victory was not just her own but also one for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community, Enriquez wrote, (to) “My community, you are always in my heart. My win is our win. We just made history. Happy pride.”

Kataluna Enriquez is a healthcare admin, a fashion designer and owner for Katalunakouture, who, having fought multiple challenges at a young age and is a survivor of physical and sexual abuse, now uses her life experiences and platform #BEVISIBLE, to combat hate through vulnerability.