Man who identifies as transgender to compete in Miss California Pageant.

Anthony CashJune 6, 2023

Meet the First Trans-Identifying Man to Win Miss San Francisco

“Every time I put on the sash, the weight of it reminds me of the weight of my job; of the responsibility I have to make a difference for young children,”

Monroe Lace, a man who identifies as a woman, made history by winning the Miss San Francisco pageant in March. Now, he’s set to compete in the 2023 Miss California Pageant in July, becoming the first trans-identifying man to do so.

A Beauty Queen with a Mission

Lace, 25, is on a mission to make a difference for young children. He visits a different elementary school almost every day, reading books like “Sparkle Boy” to students and inspiring them to be themselves.

“I know that there’s a trans kid out there … who is reading [Lace’s] story as well.”

Despite receiving death threats and mean comments about his appearance, Lace remains undeterred. He believes that his story can inspire others and make a difference in the world.

The Push for Men in Women’s Competitions

The push for men to compete in women’s competitions has become an intense cultural and political question, prompting debate and controversy. Female athletes like Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlon have spoken out against men in women’s sports, particularly concerning male swimmer Lia Thomas. Recently, ESPN commentator Samantha Ponder broke with her company’s orthodoxy to speak out against men competing in women’s sports.

Last year, a federal court ruled that Miss USA could keep its “natural born female” policy under the First Amendment’s Free Speech clause.