Lifelong Spokanite Beyoncé Black St. James is the first Washingtonian to be declared Miss Trans USA

Photo courtesy Tios Photography

Spokane’s own Beyoncé is breaking barriers on a national stage.

If you’ve been to a drag show in Spokane over the past two decades, there’s a good chance that you’re familiar with Beyoncé. No, not the award-winning musician, the nationally recognized Spokane drag queen who made history in 2024 when she became the first Black, Latina woman to be crowned Miss Trans USA.

Beyonce Black St. James is the stage name of Beyoncé Nieves, a trans woman who grew up in Spokane. She’s performed at nearly

→ Continue reading at Inlander