For the first time, there is going to be a transgender woman competing this weekend in the Miss Maine USA pageant.

“I loved beauty pageants for as long as I can remember,” Isabelle St. Cyr, 24, of Monson, said. “I used to go to the little miss pageant every year and watch my friends compete and I’ve always wanted to compete in a pageant.”

St. Cyr grew up a boy, and it wasn’t until she was 20 when she medically transitioned to being female.

St. Cyr says her dreams around competing started coming true upon registering to participate for the upcoming Miss Maine pageant, competing under “Miss Monson” while representing the transgender community. 

“I feel honored to be representing the trans community, especially trans women in Maine,” said St. Cyr. “Right now, a lot of trans people are scared up and very scared to break the mold. I’m very happy and proud to do this and be a role model for those in Maine that are feeling a little bit scared at this time.”

However, she says she’s seen backlash upon announcing she would be competing in the state beauty pageant.

“I’ve had to deal with harassment in town and even people coming to my house and throwing beer cans and yelling slurs,” said St. Cyr. “However, I try to remain positive and see the light in everything.

St. Cyr is competing at a time when transgender issues in Maine have been in the national spotlight, with President Donald Trump ordering the United States Department of Education to launch an investigation over alleged Title IX allegations. 

“I feel like it’s my responsibility to stand up for trans people all across America, but specifically in our state, saying we won’t allow this,” said St. Cyr.

Amid everything going on, St. Cyr says she wants to inspire other transgender women that anything is possible, regardless of how they are perceived.

“I’m glad that I’m the first, but I hope I won’t be the last,” said St. Cyr. “I want more trans women to stand up and be a part of things that we’ve wanted to be a part of for our who lives without limitations.”

This weekend’s Miss Maine beauty pageant will be taking place this weekend at the Holiday Inn Portland by the Bay. The winner will move on to compete in Miss U.S.A. against winners nationwide.