Midori Monet Crowned Miss International Queen 2025 in Historic Win for USA

Midori Monet, representing the United States, was crowned Miss International Queen 2025 at a dazzling ceremony in Pattaya, Thailand, on September 20, 2025, outshining delegates from 23 countries in a competition that celebrates the beauty, talent, and resilience of transgender women worldwide . Monet’s win marks a significant milestone: she is the third American to claim the title since the pageant’s inception in 2004, and the first Black trans woman from the U.S. to achieve this honor .

The theme of this year’s pageant, “Beyond Beauty, Open Possibility,” resonated as Monet took the stage in her final walk, expressing deep pride in her identity. In an emotional acceptance speech, she declared, “I feel like I am living out my ancestors’ wildest dreams... loud and proud in my skin, happy to be who I am and representing my entire community. It feels so amazing and I’m so happy to do it alongside my sisters. This means the world to me. Love you. I love you” .

Monet’s victory is hailed as a beacon for intersectional progress in the LGBTQ+ community, especially for Black and transgender people who continue to face significant barriers to representation worldwide .

Miss International Queen, hosted annually in Thailand, is recognized as the largest and most influential pageant for transgender women globally . The competition not only highlights beauty and talent but also serves as an international platform for transgender visibility and advocacy. With over 23 nations participating this year, the event fostered a spirit of unity, inclusion, and pride, echoing its mission to advance equality and challenge stereotypes .

Monet, who has spoken openly about her journey as a Black transgender woman in America, used her platform to amplify messages of self-love, acceptance, and the importance of visibility for marginalized communities . Her advocacy is especially meaningful at a time when transgender people, and particularly Black trans women, face disproportionate levels of discrimination and violence in many parts of the world .

The significance of Monet’s win reverberated far beyond the pageant stage. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of support from the LGBTQ+ community, with hashtags such as #MidoriMonet, #TransVisibility, and #MissInternationalQueen2025 trending across multiple countries (Instagram: #MidoriMonet). Leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in the United States and internationally praised Monet for her courage and leadership .

The Miss International Queen pageant has long been a symbol of progress in transgender rights, offering visibility on a global scale and challenging persistent misconceptions about transgender lives . Monet’s win is seen by many as a further step toward broader acceptance and understanding.

As Miss International Queen 2025, Monet will spend the coming year traveling, attending international events, and partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations to promote equality and amplify the voices of transgender people . Her agenda includes campaigns for health equity, access to gender-affirming care, and education about intersectionality within LGBTQ+ activism .

Monet’s message to young transgender people during her crowning speech was one of hope and affirmation: “Be proud, be bold, and know that you are worthy. This crown is for all of us” .

The Miss International Queen 2025 event concluded with a celebration of the diversity and solidarity within the global transgender community. Monet’s historic achievement stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality, and the transformative power of visibility and representation in empowering the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders .