On this episode, Caroline, Kristen, and debuting as an official co-host, Dylan Dickerson, are joined by Naaz Joshi—India’s first transgender international beauty queen and three-time Miss World Diversity winner. From navigating childhood in Delhi to gracing global runways, Naaz brings a deeply personal account of how resilience, visibility, and courage can reshape not only a life but an entire cultural narrative.
The episode traces Naaz’s journey from early struggles—including societal stigma and personal loss—to becoming a fearless advocate who uses the power of pageantry and public presence to challenge patriarchy and demand recognition for trans voices. As the Director of Miss Universe Queen and Mister Universe Trans, Naaz delivers an impeccable narrative focused on how fashion has become both a livelihood and a platform, guiding us through the story of how she has embraced every chapter of her past to fuel her activism today.
Together, Naaz and the Trans Narrative team explore what it means to stand tall as a trans person in industries steeped in patriarchy, the urgent need for representation in countries with limited visibility, and the transformative potential of owning one’s story. This episode underscores the necessity of creating spaces where trans leadership flourishes, beauty is reclaimed as power, and true inclusion moves from aspiration to reality.
“Naaz Joshi is India’s first transgender international beauty queen, a trailblazing model, activist, and fearless advocate for trans rights. She made history as the first trans woman globally to win an international beauty pageant against cisgender contestants, securing the Miss World Diversity crown three years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019) the only woman in the world to achieve this. Her remarkable achievements also include Miss Transqueen India (2018), Miss Universe Diversity (2020), and the Empress Earth crown (2021), making her India’s first trans queen with multiple international titles.
From overcoming adversity in her early life to gracing magazine covers and runways, Naaz has turned personal struggle into public power. A graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology with an MBA in marketing, her journey, from working in dance bars, to becoming an international figure, highlights both her resilience and her determination to redefine beauty, inclusion, and representation. Today, Naaz uses her platform to challenge patriarchy, champion visibility, and inspire a new generation to live boldly and unapologetically.”
To learn more about the international competition, the Foundation whose work it supports, and how to get involved as a competitor or supporter before the deadline, please reach out to misterusa@universetrans.org or @msuniversequeen on IG!
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
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