Isabelle St. Cyr, a contestant from Monson, Maine, is set to make history as the first transgender woman to represent her state at the national Miss International Queen USA pageant. This event will take place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in March 2024, bringing together 27 trans women from across the United States. The winner will go on to represent the country in Thailand at what is recognized as the most prestigious transgender beauty pageant globally.
St. Cyr’s journey into the pageant world comes amid increasing debates over transgender rights in the United States. In Maine, some Republican lawmakers have introduced initiatives that would require transgender students to compete in sports consistent with their sex assigned at birth, raising concerns about inclusivity and acceptance. Despite these challenges, St. Cyr expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received during her participation in the Miss Maine USA pageant last year.
“I grew up completely surrounded by people that did not support me in any fashion. So when I started to do this, I figured it would be the same. But I was proven wrong,” she stated, reflecting on her experience as a contestant. St. Cyr reached the semifinals and placed in the top ten, feeling treated fairly and equally among her peers. While some audience members expressed discontent over her participation, others reached out to her, sharing stories of their own transgender children who aspire to achieve their dreams.
Following her success in the state competition, St. Cyr was invited to compete in the Miss International Queen USA pageant. She attributes the lack of transgender contestants from Maine in the past to its smaller, rural population and the absence of a strong pageant culture compared to more populated southern states. “So many of the title holders have been from cities and have had opportunities that maybe people that live in rural areas don’t get,” she explained. She hopes her participation will inspire other transgender women in similar situations who often feel isolated.
Reflecting on her childhood, St. Cyr shared, “Growing up, I didn’t even understand the feelings that I was having and I didn’t know anyone that was feeling the same way. So I really thought I was the only person on the planet that felt this way.” She aims to provide visibility for young trans individuals, especially those from rural communities.
St. Cyr has dedicated months to preparing for the upcoming pageant. This includes crafting her own costume and altering gowns to showcase her Acadian heritage. She plans to address anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States through her platform, emphasizing that her great-grandparents were immigrants from Canada. “I think that a lot of people from up north have really separated themselves from immigrants, forgetting that we were immigrants just a couple of generations ago,” she noted.
With recent federal immigration activities in Maine intensifying, St. Cyr’s commitment to representing her heritage has grown stronger. In addition to her participation in Miss International Queen USA, she intends to compete in Miss Maine USA again this year, stating, “I’m going to be coming back every single year and doing Miss Maine USA until I have that crown.”
Outside the pageant circuit, St. Cyr is signed with Port City Models based in Portland, Maine. She aspires to expand her modeling and acting career while navigating the challenges of residing in a small community with a population of just 650. Despite considering relocation, she intends to maintain ownership of her farm, where she raises various animals and grows produce, advocating for sustainable farming practices.
“I think it’s important to remind these people that I’m not going anywhere, just because they think I don’t fit in,” she asserted, firmly establishing her connection to her roots and her identity as a Mainer. St. Cyr’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination, marking a significant moment in the representation of transgender individuals in the beauty pageant world.
