The Miss Island Goddess Pageant, hosted by UTOPIA Washington, is back for its 15th year, at Muckleshoot Casino Resort on Saturday, April 5. A night to honor and celebrate Queer and Trans Pacific Islander (QTPI) people, the pageant holds a deep significance for participants, organizers, and community members alike.
Contestants are encouraged to bring aspects of their identity and culture to the pageant, in which they are judged in five categories: Island Goddess wear, swimwear, evening wear, talent, and a question-and-answer portion, focusing on issues pertaining to 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous people. The winner, crowned Miss Island Goddess, will win money and a title, as well as have responsibilities throughout the year, such as community volunteer work, participation in Pride parades, and promotion of the pageant for the upcoming year.
As the executive director at UTOPIA Washington, Taffy Johnson has seen the deep impact that the pageant has had. "The Miss Island Goddess Pageant is a reclamation of our heritage, a reminder that our ancestors embraced fluidity and gender expansiveness long before colonial structures imposed binary norms," Johnson told the SGN. "It is a space where we celebrate our identities on our own terms, centering our joy, beauty, and resilience."
While the pageant is a fun event, it also focuses on activism and community work, giving QTPI people a chance to use their voice and the recognition they receive from the pageant to effect change.
"Many of our past Miss Island Goddess winners describe the experience as life-changing," Johnson said. "It's an opportunity to step into their power, embrace their heritage, and become ambassadors for their community. The Miss Island Goddess beauty pageant is truly a launching pad for leadership."
UTOPIA Washington offers many services for QTPI people, including its food access network, sex worker empowerment, peer support, and the Mapu Maia Clinic, where it offers gender-affirming care, mental health care, and many other services.
The 2025 show promises a beautiful night of celebration, culture, and empowerment. Johnson told the SGN that while she can't reveal too many details, it is expected there will be many amazing Queer and Trans performers who use their platforms for change. Applications are open until March 14.
"The Miss Island Goddess Pageant is not just an event, it's a movement," Johnson said. "It reflects the strength, resilience, and vibrancy of LGBTQIA+ communities. UTOPIA Washington is committed to creating spaces where our people can thrive, whether that's through cultural celebrations, healthcare advocacy, or policy work. We invite everyone to come witness this night of glitz and glam, support our contestants, and stand in solidarity with the Transgender and gender-diverse community."
To purchase tickets for the 2025 Miss Island Goddess Pageant, please visit https://utopiawa.ejoinme.org/UTOPIAMIG25Tickets.
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