The 27-year-old entrepreneur, who hails from Cebu province in the Philippines, won the crown during a televised finale in the Thai city of Pattaya on Saturday.
Winner Fuschia Anne Ravena (center) flanked by first runner-up Jasmine Jimenez (left), from Colombia, and second runner-up Aëla Chanel (right), from France. Credit: Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Saturday’s finale, which was broadcast live on Thai television, saw contestants take the stage in evening gowns and national costumes from their respective countries. In a question-and-answer segment, Ravena said that the goal of being a transgender beauty queen was “to inspire other people.”
“I always think that the most beautiful asset of being a human and being a trans woman is not just a head that’s full of knowledge — (it) should be a heart that’s full of love and respect, an ear that’s ready to listen and hands that (are) willing to help other people,” she said on stage.
Contestants on stage at the Miss International Queen 2022 beauty contest in the Thai city of Pattaya. Credit: Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto/Getty Images
“The acceptance in my own home is the best gift I’ve received throughout my trans journey,” said Ravena, who later dedicated the win to her mother.
“The trans community still has so (far) to go in the fight for equality” Ravena added in the video. “And to be given this moment to speak up, I really want to maximize this opportunity and make a difference as much as I can.”
Ravena was awarded 450,000 Thai baht ($12,700) in prize money, alongside gifts from various sponsors.
