Fil-Canadian bidding for title in largest trans pageant in the world

Winnipegger Adrian Reyes, 28, will bid for the Miss International Queen 2023 crown, which will be held on June 24 in Pattaya,Thailand. GOFUNDME

A recent glitter-filled event at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba raised funds for a Filipino Canadian who is vying for the title in the largest beauty pageant in the world for transgender women.

Winnipegger Adrian Reyes, 28, will bid for the Miss International Queen 2023 crown, which will be held June 24 in Pattaya,Thailand.

“It’s such a privilege for me to represent the trans community and the LGBTQ community, especially with the world being more backwards rather than moving forwards in some parts,” she told CBC News.

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Reyes, who immigrated from the Philippines in her teens, says she is competing to boost trans visibility and acceptance.

She is an avid advocate for the LGBTQA+ community and has supported the queer community by performing with local drag queens to raise awareness and funds for the community. Her advocacy, #Transvisibility, is what made her decide to join the pageant.

Reyes works as an assistant manager for MAC Cosmetics, the largest makeup company in the world.

“Adrian’s dream to live her life as a transwoman who is seen as being the same as anyone else trying to live their lives in peace and harmony. Her hope is that people in the world can do the same,” states a fundraising blurb for her.