The Miss International Queen pageant calls itself "the world's largest transgender women beauty pageant."
This year's contest featured 23 women from 23 different places competing for the crown.
My favorite part of this particular pageant was the national costume competition, where each contestant dressed in a costume that represented their country.
Here's how 23 of this year's contestants dressed:
Note: All descriptions are from the Miss International Queen Facebook.
1. Canada
"A [snow owl is a] source of guidance and wisdom."
2. France
"This year, we are honoring a French culinary specialty: the macaron!"
3. Colombia
"Born from the ingenuity of designer Randy Severiche, inspired by the vast wealth of pre-Columbian goldsmithing, which is characterized by the beauty and precision of its details."
4. Puerto Rico
"Inspired by the guardian of the Bioluminescent Bay of Puerto Rico."
5. Cambodia
"This exquisite royal costume is designed under the style of an individual named (Tevy) representing the protector of all water bodies, who provides imperishable water for the lives on earth."
6. Ecuador
"Hummingbird coruscans is the animal of a thousand colors of nature and the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon."
7. Taiwan
"Because my country has been suppressed by China for a long time. We cannot join WHO, the UN, or even show our national flag on international occasions. So, my team and I thought, if we can't show our national flag, why don't we put it on my body?"
8. Venezuela
“Madama comes from the French word ‘the madame’ who were females in times of slavery and came to Callao showing off their riches and finesse.”
9. Korea
“Hanbok is a traditional Korean dress characterized by beautiful colors and meticulously woven lines without pockets.”
10. India
"Ardhanarishvara, Sanskrit: Lord Who Is Half Woman composite male-female figure of the Hindu god Shiva together with his consort Parvati."
11. Honduras
"Inspired by the national bird of Honduras."
12. Philippines
"The ornate doll is depicting the candidate herself. It’s Fuschia wearing Fuschia."
13. Vietnam
"With this national costume, we want to introduce the wet rice cultivation of the Viet people."
14. Peru
"Inspired by a female warrior of the Inca Empire."
15. Paraguay
"The Chogüy bird."
16. Japan
"The Japanese identity."
17. Laos
"The inspiration is from Ship Fire Festival."
18. Mexico
"The design is inspired by the Aztec pre-Hispanic clothing."
19. Indonesia
"Inspired by the story of the search for Tirta Amerta or the water of immortality involving gods and giants."
20. Thailand
"Inspired by the myth of the Fight of Garuda and Naga."
21. Brazil
"Known for being the patron saint and protector of Brazil, Nossa Senhora Aparecida is much sought after by the faithful who need help in a time of distress."
22. Malaysia
"The Brass Gong is one of the most valuable items among the North Borneo people. This Brass Gong is associated with many celebrations, rituals, and important events."
23. USA
"She is representing strength and feminine power to find justice for all."
