Miss Island Goddess 2023
Every year, the Miss Island Goddess Pageant, proudly hosted by UTOPIA Washington, transforms into a beacon of inclusivity, drawing together hundreds from across Turtle Island and the Pacific Ocean to celebrate the rich woven tapestry of our community. UTOPIA Washington is the only local 501(c)(3) organization devoted to Queer and/or Trans and Gender Diverse Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in the area. The Miss Island Goddess title represents far more than a mere pageant; it stands as a community fundraiser that centers cultural pride, advocacy, and the pursuit of equity and social justice.
Through a Queer and Transgender Pacific Islander cultural lens, contestants hailing from the QTPI community, and all our queer, trans and gender diverse communities of color to take to the stage, each adorned not just with grace and elegance but with a fervent desire to champion our communities causes and uplift marginalized voices. It’s a showcase where talent, beauty and aspiration intertwine with purpose, activism, and the pursuit of progress.
The Miss Island Goddess Pageant doesn’t end with the crowning moment. No, it is merely the beginning of a journey for the newly crowned Miss Island Goddess—a journey marked by community service, advocacy, and positive change for the community. Former titleholders, with their diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, continue to serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding the community towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
So, as the curtains rise and the spotlight shines, join us in an annual celebration of diversity, embracing empowerment, and honoring resilience. Together, let us crown the next Miss Island Goddess—a symbol of strength, beauty, and boundless potential.
Thank You!
On behalf of our UTOPIA Washington family, the Board of Directors, Staff, and MIG2023 Steering Committee, we would like to thank all the supporters of the re-emergence of Miss Island Goddess 2023! Months of planning culminated towards a weekend and bonding our community will never forget. And we couldn’t have done it without you!
Universe Sponsor
$10k
International Sponsor
$2,500
Earth Sponsor
$1,000
Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Bombay-Fiji Bazaar, Caddell’s Laser and Electrolysis Clinic, Holman Enterprises, Seattle Children’s, Tongan Resource Group, and Teine Ulu Pupu’u.
Pacific Sponsor
$500
Individual Sponsor
Sasha Samuelu, Jamie Ale, Maluali’i Designs, and the Vaina Family
Thank you also, La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham, and Thrive Causemetics.
Mahalo nui loa, to our co-hosts, judges, and auditors:
Co-Hosts: Brita Filter and Aleksa Manila
Judges: Afa Ah Loo, Austin Asiata, Tiare Malie Chanel, Colleen Echohawk, and Priya Frank
Auditors: Jada Cuevas Fajardo and Normani Puipui Mauga
Malo ‘aupito, to all our volunteers:
Blue Origin, BECU, US Bank, and UTOPIA Washington community & allies.
Vinaka vakalevu, to our Winners’ Circle of Miss Island Goddesses in attendance:
Kimmy Giselle, Tanya Rachinee, Marion Marlena, Iyona Black, Ara Yandall, and Beyonce Black St. James
Si Yu’os Ma’åse’, to ALL our siblings who traveled to celebrate with us:
From UTOPIA PDX, UTOPIA Las Vegas, UTOPIA Alaska; all who traveled from California, Hawai’i, Arizona and across the US Continent. Our sisters from American Samoa representing SOFIAS (Society of Fa’afafine in American Samoa), and our lovely sister, Kaleimomi Timoteo, Miss Continental Plus Hawai’i 2022 – thank you ALL for being here.
We are overjoyed with the success of our event and grateful for the gathering of community to share space and celebrate one another. We hope all our guests and families from near and far enjoyed themselves, we are grateful for your continued support and love. Last, but surely not least, we want to send a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to our newly crowned Miss Island Goddess 2023, Paris Mae Mackie Yandall. We look forward to your reign!
For more information on our Miss Island Goddess, and all of our future events, programs, and general information about UTOPIA Washington, please visit www.utopiawa.org
