Participating in the annual Miss Maine pageant, Isabelle St. Cyr of Monson makes history as the first openly transgender woman to step onto its stage. From an early age, St. Cyr harbored dreams of entering pageants, inspired by watching her sister and friend compete and fueled by her passion for dance. Her participation this May as Miss Monson not only fulfills a childhood aspiration but also aims to pave the way for more transgender women in pageantry.
Despite the challenges she faced growing up in a rural area near Bangor, St. Cyr persevered. She came out as transgender during her teenage years, overcoming bullying and societal pressures. Moving to Bangor at eighteen, she continued to pursue her love for dance and makeup artistry while nurturing a dream to compete in pageants. Today, she resides in Monson with her partner, managing a farm and fostering her connection to her rural roots.
Miss Universe, including Miss USA, has welcomed trans women since 2012, though experiences can vary. While Kataluna Enriquez made history as Miss Nevada and the first openly trans woman in Miss USA 2021, not every story has been positive. A recent case saw a withdrawal from Miss Georgia due to inclusivity issues. St. Cyr, however, has found her journey in Miss Maine to be a supportive one, with appreciation from the pageant’s executive director for her positive outlook.
Representing rural Maine, St. Cyr hopes to challenge stereotypes about transgender individuals, emphasizing that there is no singular way to be transgender. She strives to show that trans people live vibrant lives in both urban and rural settings and hopes her participation will inspire others. Her story resonates with many who may feel isolated in smaller communities, affirming that representation is possible regardless of one’s background.
The Miss Maine pageant, scheduled for May 10 and 11 in Portland, evaluates contestants based on character, poise, confidence, and personality. St. Cyr, confident in her stage presence from years of performance experience, expresses concern about the interview portion, acknowledging the challenges posed by the current political climate. Nonetheless, she remains determined to face any adversity with grace, representing not only transgender women but all women.
Your Takeaway
Isabelle St. Cyr’s participation in the Miss Maine pageant carries significant implications for the transgender community and beyond. Her journey highlights the importance of representation and visibility, especially in traditionally exclusive spaces. By stepping onto the pageant stage, she challenges societal norms and inspires others to pursue their dreams regardless of gender identity or location.
For rural communities, St. Cyr’s story demonstrates that diversity exists beyond urban centers, encouraging a reevaluation of assumptions about where LGBTQ individuals live and thrive. Her experience also sheds light on the importance of inclusivity and acceptance, which can lead to broader societal changes and increased support for underrepresented groups. As public awareness grows, there may be a shift toward more inclusive practices in various domains, fostering a more equitable society for all.