Phoenix - Tonight Kristel Lee was crowned the 2010 Miss Indian Transgender Arizona at the 4th biannual pageant in Phoenix. Kristel speaks Navajo and was raised traditionally on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona. Kristel is a Dental Hygentist in Window Rock, Arizona and educates youth on the importance of dental hygene. As her traditional talent, she demonstrated to the judges and audience how to make Navajo kneel-down bread.

Myra Nicole Jesus (Navajo), won Miss Congeniality and was First Runner Up to Miss Indian Transgender Arizona. She works at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS as the Mpowerment Coordinator.

The pageant was hosted by the first and second Miss Indian TG AZ respectively, Angel Manuel and Ricki Quintero. Native transgender performers, Liz and Oona Stevens, entertained the crowd between contestants.

Trudie began the pageant in 2005 to increase the visibility of transgender Native Americans and to educate the public about transgender people. The pageant takes place in December, the year prior to the year the winning Miss Indian Transgender Arizona's 2-year reign begins. For example, the pageant took place on December 13th this year, but the winner's reign is for 2010-2011. Native transgenders compete for the crown from all over Arizona and are judged on the following categories: Modern Talent, Question and Answer in Evening Wear, and Traditional Talent.

This year’s sponsors included Fort McDowell Casino and Resort, Community Florist, Crusin' on 7th, Navajo Times, Angel Manuel, Molly Surno, Drumbeat Indian Arts, Oona Stevens, HJ Trophies, Ricki Quintero, Phoenix Pride, and Gwen.

Judges L to R: Myk Redhouse, Unknown, Ron Yazzie, Unknown

L to R: Ricki Quintero, Myra Nicole Jesus, Kristel Lee, Contestant 1, Trudie Jackson

Miss Indian Transgender Arizona:

2006-2007 - Angel Manuel (Tohono O'odham)
2008-2009 - Ricki Quintero (White River Apache)
2010-2011 - Kristel Lee (Navajo)

Click here to view images and videos from the event.  More videos and an interview with Miss Indian Transgender Arizona, Kristel Lee, coming soon.

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