Brían Nguyen Became the First Ever Transgender Model to Win Miss America’s Local Pageant

The Miss America pageant has a long history, spanning over 100 years. In 2022, 19-year-old Brían Nguyen became the first trans person to win the pageant’s local crown. Nguyen, a full-time college student and social media influencer, was awarded the title of Miss Greater Derry. Her historic win proves that pursuing our dreams always pays off.

Meet Brían Nguyen.

In November 2022, Brían Nguyen made history by becoming the first-ever transgender person to win a local Miss America pageant. The 19-year-old Vietnamese-American self-describes herself as a “plus model” per her Instagram bio. She is also a full-time college student majoring in business management as well as a beauty influencer.

With her social media presence, Nguyen seeks to empower the younger generations to “develop self-confidence, realize their potential, and become the leaders of their destiny.” According to the 2022 Miss Greater Derry, this is done by “spotlighting community members who have faced adversity and teaching how they overcame it.”

Becoming the first transgender Miss America title holder

The Miss America organization set up the Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Program. It offers scholarships to young women between the ages of 17-24. Nguyen competed for the title on November 6, 2022, at the Derry Opera House and was crowned later that day.

Nguyen’s plans for the future

As the Miss Greater Derry title holder, Nguyen will go on to compete for the Miss New Hampshire 2023 crown. The state-round pageant winner will then participate in the national Miss America contest.

But besides competing in beauty contests, Nguyen has several other plans for the future, including using her business degree for a good cause. “I hope to use my degree to create sustainable, ethical, and inclusive products, such as clothing, cosmetics, and accessories,” the teen wrote in an Instagram post.

Despite facing backlash after her win, Nguyen is sure of her path and knows how to deal with hateful comments. “Being a queen means not caring about what others may think of you because you do your best,” she explained. “Your power is being uniquely yourself, and no one can take that away from you.”

Who was your favorite beauty pageant winner so far?