Miss International Queen – USA Will Crown a New Queen in 2026
Miss International Queen USA, the premier beauty pageant celebrating transgender women in the United States, will bring glamour, inspiration, and community pride to Atlantic City from March 26–27, 2026. After debuting in Las Vegas where it was hailed by Vegas 411 Review as “the new crown jewel in Las Vegas shows”, the pageant makes its Atlantic City premiere with a two-day celebration spotlighting the beauty, resilience, and artistry of transgender women from across the nation, as contestants share their stories of transformation and triumph.
“MIQ-USA is more than a competition,” says Todd Montgomery of Be The Transformational Change Fund, the nonprofit producing the event. “It is a celebration of life, community, and progress that is sure to inspire and spread joy to the thousands in attendance.”
A standout feature of this year’s pageant will be the participation of reigning Miss International Queen Midori Monet, whose historic win at Miss International Queen 2025 in Thailand made her only the third contestant from the United States to capture the international crown. Grounded in authenticity, courage, and grace, Midori’s journey continues to inspire a new generation of queens preparing to shine on the MIQ-USA stage. She will crown her successor on the final night of the competition.
MIQ-USA festivities begin Thursday, March 26, with a press conference and the lively Sashing Ceremony, where contestants are officially introduced to the public. Open to all, this event offers the first look at the remarkable women competing for the crown.
That evening at 7 p.m., The Concert Venue at Harrah’s Atlantic City will host the Miss International Queen USA Preliminary Night, featuring the State Costume competition and the Talent competition. The evening will be hosted by former Miss International Queens Jazell Barbie Royale and Mimi Marks.
On Friday, March 27, MIQ-USA shifts its focus to empowerment and education with a day of workshops led by Be the Transformational Change (BTTC) Fund, an LGBTQIA+ nonprofit whose advocacy and support make the pageant possible. These sessions will offer valuable insights into leadership, personal growth, and community engagement.
At 7 p.m., the excitement returns to Harrah’s for the Miss International Queen USA Pageant Finals, where contestants will compete in swimsuit and evening gown categories before answering questions designed to highlight their poise, intelligence, and charisma. The evening will be hosted by Todd Montgomery and Mimi Marks. The night concludes with Midori Monet passing her crown to the new 2026 Miss International Queen – USA.
The preliminary and final nights will both feature professional entertainment, including top drag and transgender entertainers.
Individual tickets and discounted all-event passes are available at Bethetransformationalchange.org/miq-usa-tickets. Those unable to attend may support the BTTC Fund by texting BTTC to 302-725-4509. All proceeds directly benefit LGBTQIA+ causes.
Follow MIQ-USA on Facebook at Miss International Queen USA and on Instagram at @missinternationalqueenusa.
