In a glittering and historic moment in the world of drag pageantry, Zhané Dawlingz Wiley was recently crowned as Miss Continental 2024 in Chicago. Founded in 1980 by the legendary Jim Flint, Miss Continental has evolved into an annual extravaganza for drag queens, hosted at the iconic Baton Show Lounge. This competition has not only grown in prominence but has also expanded its reach, with categories like Mr. Continental, Miss Continental Plus, and Miss Continental Elite, accommodating diverse talents in the LGBTQ community.
Zhané Dawlingz Wiley, resplendent in a silver ball gown and adorned with a jeweled crown, proudly shared her victory on Instagram. She expressed gratitude to her dedicated team, the discerning panel of judges, and her fellow contestants. Wiley acknowledged the exceptional talent displayed by all the participants, setting the stage for an even more fierce competition next year.
In her heartfelt message, Wiley exclaimed, “Words truly cannot express how I feel, however my spirit is so full and I am just so blessed and highly favored. I am your newly crowned Miss Continental 2024.” This momentous win has been met with resounding praise from her peers in the drag world, including former RuPaul’s Drag Race US contestant Jan, who described her performance as “an honor to watch.”
The significance of Wiley’s victory is not lost on the LGBTQ community. Vanessa van Cartier, the winner of the second season of Drag Race Holland, and US season nine’s Alexis Michelle, joined in extending their congratulations. Showgirl Rita Bane Stone highlighted the groundbreaking nature of this achievement, emphasizing, “A black trans woman won Miss Continental on her first try, and I don’t think enough people are making enough noise for how f*cking hard that is to achieve.”
Wiley also paid tribute to her predecessors, including Drag Race Canada judge Brooke Lynn Hytes, who claimed the crown in 2014 after her second attempt. Hytes, reflecting on her journey, said, “Being Miss Continental means having a platform to motivate and inspire a whole group of entertainers who don’t believe that Miss Continental is possible for them. I am here to say it is possible for anyone who puts in the hard work and dedication.”
Zhané Dawlingz Wiley’s triumph as Miss Continental 2024 stands as a symbol of inclusivity and perseverance within the LGBTQ community, reminding all that dreams can be realized with dedication and passion. This historic win will undoubtedly inspire many future drag queens to embrace their talents and take center stage in the world of drag pageantry.