Guam’s Hufana bags first Queen Marianas tiara

Twenty-three-year old Trinity Hufana of Guam was crowned the winner of the first Queen Marianas Gay Pageant held at the Hibiscus Hall of Fiesta Resort & Spa in Garapan Saturday night.

Hufana bested six other candidates in the beauty and brains competition organized by A Ge’la & Friends Production Inc.

The environmental services technician at Guam Memorial Hospital impressed the three judges—Vorasuda Luna of DFS Saipan and Palau, Laila Boyer of Marianas Variety, and Chrimsona Kaiser from Guam—with her answer in the Q&A portion.

Each of the top five candidates were asked, “If crowned Ms. Gay Marianas tonight, how will you carry yourself and what are your plans to be an active member or contributor of society?”

A pre-operative transgender, Hufana responded by saying that she will carry herself with respect despite the existence of those individuals who cannot accept them for who they are. “We are humans and we will always be here. We are here to stay,” said Hufana, eliciting a roaring approval from the audience.

In an interview after the pageant, Hufana said she didn’t expect to win the coveted crown.

“It even came as a big shock to me to be included in the Top 5,” she told reporters. “It feels good knowing that the contest is not about one’s size but about your willingness to help. So it’s really special for me.”

When asked what makes her stand out from the other candidates, Hufana exclaimed, “I won because I’m fat!”

Hufana, who arrived on island Wednesday for the pageant and left yesterday, said the event brought about more awareness about gays and, at the same time, fun.

“It’s fun to get together, have some good fun, and enjoy each other’s presence,” she added.

During her reign, Hufana plans to further promote her advocacies. She is an active volunteer for the Guam’s Alternative Lifestyle Association, an LGBT group, and the manager of the Untouchables House of Diosa, an entertainment group that helps remove the stigma of negativity for transgenders.

Tinian’s Payne Evangelista was declared first runner up and took home the Best in Fantasy Costume for her remarkable Filipiniana dress sponsored by Serenity Salon and Spa. Saipan’s Miranda Kar, meanwhile, won second runner up.

Special awards were also given to Kim Kardashian who bagged Ms. Photogenic, Best in Lingerie, and Best in Evening Gown; and Milkshake, who was voted Ms. Congeniality.

Production numbers during the pageant were provided by Demalynn Sablan, Project Impact, Kit Kat Crew, Rose Dance Group, Best in Talent winner Kardashian, and Joe Limes of KKMP.

John Manalo and Frankie Elliptico of the Northern Marianas College served as tabulators while Roxanne Weaver served as the host.

Proceeds for the pageant, which attracted 140 spectators who enjoyed a delicious dinner buffet for the $25 entrance fee, will be donated to Operation Home Front, said A Ge’la & Friends Production Inc. president Elsa Duenas Nieto.

“It’s a big issue. There’s a war going on and our military personnel are deployed in different parts of the world. Even though you see a lot of support for the military, there’s not a lot of dedication for them,” she said.

Nieto said they were surprised to see a really good turnout for the pageant, considering the economic challenges in the Commonwealth these days.

“We plan to do this every year and we plan the children’s ward at the hospital as our next beneficiary,” she added.

Nieto, who worked with the candidates for eight months in preparation for the pageant, said she is proud of each one of them.

“They all improved their skills in so many ways and educated themselves about current issues in the Marianas,” she said.