Kataluna Enriquez named Grand Marshal for Palm Springs Pride
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Kataluna Enriquez, groundbreaking model, fashion designer, and advocate, has been named the Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal for the 40th Anniversary Palm Springs Pride celebration, organizers announced on Monday.
Enriquez is a brand ambassador, mental health advocate, gender equality champion, multidimensional fashion designer, and owner of KatalunaKouture.
As a Filipino American model, she has appeared in major campaigns for Andrew Fitzsimons Hair, Ulta, The Chase game show, Emmy Meli’s “I Am Woman” music video, MGM Grand, and The Venetian in Las Vegas. Her work and advocacy have earned prominent media coverage in outlets such as People Magazine, E! News, Good Morning America, NBC, TMZ, and Business Insider.
In 2021, Enriquez made history twice, becoming the first trans woman to win Miss Nevada USA and the first trans woman to compete in the Miss USA pageant, which has more than 70 years of history. She went on to represent the United States at the 2024 Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand, the world’s premier international transgender beauty competition, placing in the Top 6, earning three major awards, and capturing international recognition.
As a survivor of abuse, Enriquez utilizes her platform to foster vulnerability, raise vital awareness around mental health, and combat hate. She amplifies voices across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, focusing on youth empowerment and expanding nonprofit partnerships nationwide. Her dedicated hands-on trans volunteerism includes serving local Southern California communities by assisting in business operations and helping coordinate care for individuals in Riverside, California. Fans and supporters can also catch her occasional drag performances at local venues including One-Eleven Bar, Flip Phone events at Toucans, Southern California Improv, and Las Vegas hot spots Gipsy and Piranha Nightclub.
The Palm Springs Pride Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal is an honor bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the rights and visibility of the trans community.
It is named for pioneering transgender activist and Stonewall Uprising icon Marsha P. Johnson, the award recognizes leaders who embody Johnson’s spirit of advocacy by promoting inclusivity, resilience, and awareness of the challenges trans individuals face.
"Marsha P. Johnson paved the path for trans visibility, resilience, and liberation," said Ron deHarte, President and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride. "Kataluna Enriquez embodies that same transformative courage, using her global platform and community volunteerism to empower trans youth and uplift our entire community. We are honored to recognize her leadership alongside our incredible slate of 2026 Grand Marshals."
Enriquez joins an esteemed lineup of previously announced honorees leading this year's parade, including National Grand Marshal Fortune Feimster, Celebrity Grand Marshal Cheyenne Jackson, Community Grand Marshal Gary Moline, and Pride Royalty for Life Marshall Pearcy (Dottie DuBois).
The Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade and Festival will bring together residents, visitors, and advocates to celebrate diversity, equality, and community resilience in downtown Palm Springs November 6-8, 2026.
News Channel 3 is a proud sponsor of Pride. We will broadcast the parade on News Channel 3 and our website.
More entertainment announcements, including the complete roster of performers and stage schedules, will be released in the coming weeks.
For festival information, updates, and ways to support Palm Springs Pride, visit pspride.org.
