Miss International Queen 2023

This is my journey on becoming Miss International Queen 2023.
Well, I have to be fair. I did not anticipate that I would win the title and crown.
Let’'s go all the way back to March, when I applied for MIQ to represent The Netherlands.

I knew at that time for quite a while about MIQ and their purpose : more trans visibility and awareness, and creating a more equal world.
After my try for Miss Universe Netherlands I felt I needed to regain what pageantry is all about for me. I lost that spark why I entered, and only thought about winning.
With applying for MIQ there were a few things that were on my mind, I wanted to help more people, spread more positivity and create more awareness about global trans issues.
After a few days I got the promising e-mail that I was hoping for : Congratulations, you are hereby representing Miss International Queen Netherlands 2023.
I was extremely hyped up! In the 17 years of being live, the pageant never had an official representative of The Netherlands.
I felt quite honored to represent my country and my beliefs, to fight for my people and the people who are in need.
I knew the pageant was held in June, and so I started my preparations for the upcoming 3 months.
What I had to prepare for? EVERYTHING!
I had to think of a talent, my catwalk needed improving and I had to get sponsors.
So if you are new to the world of Pageantry, the way it works is that the National Organization in your country will provide for all costs, and send their representative internationally.
Basically, you win for competition held in your country and get send to compete with other countries for the top prize.
But because there has never been a Dutch representative for this pageant there was also no national organization. This was going to be a challenge!
I managed in the course of the following 3 months to work on all things I had to work on, and get quite a few sponsors. In total a quarter of the expenses were paid back.

When June arrived I felt the pressure more since the media was picking up on my involvement more and more.
You might ask yourself, how nervous were you? Well honestly, I was not even nervous to compete! I had my vision clear and knew what I wanted.
I felt most nervous for my first trip to Asia and also my first flight that lasted 11 hours.

June 11 : The adventure begins.
Can I say oh my god? I could not believe it was already here. After months or preparations and already seeing the girls online, I was flying to Thailand.
We were going to compete for two weeks before the coronation night on June 24.
When I arrived at Bangkok airport the staff of MIQ was waiting on me to pick me up. I was greeted by a lovely girl named Mew, who was doing all socials for the organization.
After a few pictures they told me to wait so they could pick up Miss Spain, the only other European country who was competing.
Fun fact : Miss Spain was my friend Victoria, who I met during my very first pageant Miss Trans Star International in Barcelona. There she was representing Brazil and got second runner up.
After 30 minutes or so she arrived and we both got into the van who drove us to the hotel : Woodland Pattaya.
Luck decided that we were roommates for the upcoming two weeks!
When arriving I saw the one redhead I was very excited to meet, her name being Melony from The United States of America!
We grew very close during this competition due to the fact we are like minded. Similar in maturity, both with the same goals and both our first time in Thailand.
She was my bestie during this time and honestly I was very happy so!

June 13 : A few days in.
During the upcoming days you could see who were in it to win it, like Miss Philippines, Miss Peru, Miss Thailand and Miss Singapore.
There was a clear division of girls who had practice, who had teams with them and girls who were going solo without a plan, like me.
The girls with a team for makeup, hair and styling were looking perfect every time of the day. Their hair always snatched, makeup always glowing and the styling top notch.
They asked why I came alone and was doing everything myself. Well, firstly I did not have the money to bring extra people with me. Secondly, I want to keep the reason of pageantry simple and effective.
I was in it to create active change. To help others and aspire for a better world.
Because that is what is lacking, people who actually do things and make a difference.
I don’t need a glam squad 24/7 for that when I am perfectly capable of it myself.

June 14 : Meeting Fuschia, the reigning queen.
We received our sashes from the reigning queen from The Philippines: Fuschia Anne Ravena.
The moment you meet the woman who has done the same thing that you have but just one year prior is a funny feeling. I was starstruck just looking at her. Her flawless beauty and long black hair were enchanting.

June 16: Presenting our national Costume.
This was one of the most exciting parts for me! The national costume round.
We could show our outfits in a big mall in Bangkok, with hundreds of people watching and screaming for us.
It was a magical feeling to be on that stage in front of the judges.
Funny enough I felt at peace with the judges in front of me. I knew who they were, had seen their faces already before and since I just wanted to be myself I did not had that pressure that I had to perform better than the rest.
When they called my country and I had to present myself, I looked in the eyes of Valentina (winner 2020 from Mexico) and felt a sudden ease on my heart.
Her smile made me smile and I did all I could to just be me.

June 24 : The coronation night.
The moment is finally here! Tonight we will find out who wins and can call herself Miss International Queen 2023.
I woke up with a good feeling, Tired, but happy.
We hit the rehearsals and got our hair and makeup done.
I got a moment to reflect on myself. Why was I here? What was the reason. Say it out loud, I told myself. Tell yourself why you are here.
’Helping those who need it, helping the younger version of myself.’
And with that mindset I put on my heels and ran to the front. We only had 20 minutes before showtime!
I started to become pretty nervous for my performance.
I knew my catwalk was not the best, and needed extra work.
But you know, I still went for it. Just smile the brightest and see what happens!
I knew that we were going from top 22 straight to top 11, followed by top 6 and then the final top 3.
The top 11 was based on performance with the opening presentation, and evening gown.
And then the WORST thing happened! My heel got stuck and I almost fell!
I was panicking. All this hard work just to be snuffed out at the most important moment. I quickly gathered myself and just smiled bigger than before.
After the evening gown competition, we were all called back where they would announce the side titles (such as miss congeniality) and the top 11.

First one to enter was…. Miss Vietnam! She won most popular vote and therefore entered the top 11 as the first contestant.
The second girl called was Miss Philippines. It was no surprise that Lars got into the higher placements! Beauty and a kind soul.
The third girl called was Miss USA. My girl Melony! How exciting I was!
I was smiling from ear to ear when I heard it. She deserved it!
Next up…. Miss Venezuela! I got a bit nervous that we were already 4 girls in.
Then it was time for number 5. They called… The Netherlands! But wait, that’s me! I got in! I had a small shock that I heard my country. I could breathe a bit easier now.
The top 11 was followed by: Singapore, Spain, Mexico, China, Colombia and last, Thailand!
Here we are, the top 11. As I was looking in the crowd and seeing all the cheerful people I realized how hard I fought for this place. I deserved this!
We are called away to put on our swimsuit and perform in the swimsuit round.
This round would be the last chance you have to secure a spot in the top 6.
You know, I feel more secure about this! I have beautiful legs and my sparkling personality can shine more in this round.
I was just thinking, all I can do is my absolute best. Nothing more! Here goes.
It went well, my walk was good and this time no mistakes!
Then the moment was here : The calling of the top 6.
The top 6 would have to prove themselves with a difficult Q&A.
The first girl called to the top 6 is…. Thailand!
No surprise, she rocked it. Second, USA!
Third… Mexico! Already halfway there… Sweat was breaking out of all places.
Fourth place, Singapore! I had peace with not being called anymore. Only 2 more places and the competition from Vietnam and Philippines is too high.
5th place goes to…. The Netherlands!
Say What!? I could cry! They called me into the top 6! I felt relieved and even more nervous now to perform for the Q&A.
The top 6 was rounded up with Philippines.
Although speaking has always been my strong point, you should not underestimate the questions given by the judges.
They call me up and I choose question number 5. A fitting number given I was chosen as number 5 for the 2nd time in the top.

My question is: What is in your opinion the difference between acceptance and equality?
Being accepted and being equal sounds so similar! Yet, they are very different.

’'The difference between being accepted and being equal means that we as transgender women, get access to healthcare, access to playing in sports and entering fields that cisgender women have access to. This is now still lacking by a majority, and therefore we are not equal. We can only strive to be equal when they accept each and everyone of us as being equal.’'

I could not have done any better if im honest. It came from my experiences living in a cis controlled world where we still face oppression and be discriminated in most countries.
It was a genuine answer. Will it be enough for the top 3?
We are called back after 15 minutes. The judges have their scores ready and the top 3 is being called.
The first contestant is : Miss Netherlands!
Say what now?! I got called to the TOP 3!
This not only means that I have an actual shot of winning, but also that I will be spending 2 more weeks in Thailand since the top 3 will do their media tour together.
How crazy is this! They called my country!
Next up Miss…. USA! Are you serious?! We get to spend 2 more weeks together! Not only were we going strong the entire competition together, but now we were in the top 3 together!
Last to be called is Miss Singapore!
And there we have it, Europe, America and Asia all represented.
A sudden chill got on my back when I realized it is time for the last Q&A.
We all were getting the same question, I had to make to personal in order to stand out!

’'Tonight the world is making a new creating on the stage, and you become our new Miss International Queen. You are granted one wish for a creation to become true, what is it that you wish and why?’'

’'I would create an environment that is not only safe, but thriving for transgender people, everybody who is a minority, everybody who is been spit upon, who is the backbone of society but everybody who DESERVES to be equal. Everybody who is always seen as less, I know exactly how that feels, someone who is considered a loser. But people like us, we are just diamonds covered in dirt waiting to sprout. This is the legacy that I would create for a better world.’'

And just like that, I made myself cry. I made the young boy in myself cry. My answer came from my heart. No strings attached, no sugar coating. Just a pure, heartfelt answer.
We got called away for the judges to make their final votes on who is going to win.
After Fuschia’s final walk we got called back, one by one. With the other contestants standing all behind us.
You know, whatever the outcome would be I was already extremely proud of myself. I did everything myself and stayed true to myself. It was all me, myself and the power of I.

The moment is there.
The votes are in the hand of the host.
This is it….

2nd runner up goes to…. USA.
3 minutes pass by, and it is just me and Singapore.

The winner of Miss International Queen 2023 is :

The NETHERLANDS!

I am in shock. Is it really? Did I win? Am I dreaming?
Is it really the first time ever that Europe wins now? I am crying!
I cannot believe it, and as I am hugging Miss Singapore, I only feel love and warmth. It’s really over! All those months of hard work paid off.
Here I am, your new Miss International Queen!
I see Melony smiling from ear to ear and the realization kicks in that it is only beginning now.
As I am taking my first walk I can only cry, smile and be a complete mess!
I am joined by all the other girls and see all of them smiling, and the only thing I can feel is power, unity and love.

And that my dear readers, is was Pageantry should be about!

As we are now months later, I had the chance to do amazing things with the title and fame that comes with it.
I have started my world tour and soon the new year of MIQ is starting.

Follow my into the journey to crown my successor and stay in touch for latest updates regarding my visit to the national preliminary’s.

Thank you for reading, and with love
Solange
Miss International Queen 2023