Miss Trans Star International™
Miss Trans Star International™ is far more than a beauty pageant for transgender women — it is a global celebration of identity, courage, and the radiant diversity of transgender women from every corner of the world.
First held in 2007 in Madrid, the event quickly gained international attention as one of the first pageants of its kind to offer a dignified and empowering platform for trans women to be seen, heard, and celebrated. In 2010, the pageant found its new and lasting home in the vibrant heart of Barcelona, Spain — a region renowned for its spirit of inclusivity and artistic expression.
It was during this pivotal year that Thara Wells and Rincon Tranny joined forces to breathe new life into the event, elevating it into a symbol of international solidarity and trans visibility. Two years later, in 2012, Lady Julia and Thara Wells continued to grow their vision, reinforcing the pageant’s commitment to representation, empowerment, and beauty without boundaries.
In 2016, the pageant embraced a refined global identity by updating its name from Miss Trans Star Internacional to Miss Trans Star International™, marking a new chapter in its evolution on the world stage.
From its earliest editions, Miss Trans Star International™ stood apart as a pageant that celebrated not only physical beauty but the profound stories of transformation, courage, and advocacy that each contestant brought to the stage. Held annually, typically in the cultural heart of Barcelona, the pageant soon began attracting delegates from across the world — from Brazil to the Philippines, Mexico to India, and beyond — each representing their country with pride, each challenging outdated norms with every graceful step.
The early years of the pageant were intimate, rooted in community and activism. But as global awareness grew, so did the prestige and production of the event. With dazzling choreography, exquisite costumes, and moving personal stories, Miss Trans Star International™ became an international phenomenon, drawing attention from media, governments, and human rights organizations. It helped launch the careers of many contestants — turning beauty queens into public speakers, cultural ambassadors, and advocates for transgender rights.
At its heart, the pageant is not just about competition — it is about celebration and solidarity. Contestants are judged not only on appearance but also on talent, poise, public speaking, and their commitment to social causes. Many participants use the platform to advocate for healthcare access, legal recognition, anti-violence campaigns, and education for trans youth.
Over nearly two decades, Miss Trans Star International™ has made history, not only for the winners it crowns but for the lives it changes. It has become a sanctuary of hope for many trans women, particularly in countries where their identities are criminalized or stigmatized. The pageant fosters a unique global sisterhood — a network of empowered individuals who support, uplift, and inspire one another across continents.
Today, Miss Trans Star International™ stands as a cultural and political symbol: a radiant reminder that beauty is diverse, that womanhood is expansive, and that the trans experience is worthy of the spotlight. It challenges mainstream norms, reshapes the global narrative around gender, and offers a spectacular, unapologetic vision of what inclusion truly looks like.
Through its continued legacy, Miss Trans Star International™ invites the world not only to witness beauty — but to redefine it.