Raquell L Balenciaga has taken home the crown of Miss Continental for 2025.
The Miss Continental Pageant, founded in 1980 by Jim Flint in Chicago, is a prestigious competition celebrating transgender women and female impersonators. Created to provide a platform for showcasing talent and beauty, it quickly gained prominence in the LGBTQ+ community. Known for its high production values and emphasis on performance, the pageant has become a significant cultural institution, spotlighting diverse contestants and promoting inclusivity. Over the years, it has expanded to include various categories, such as Miss Continental Plus and Miss Continental Elite, highlighting its commitment to embracing diverse body types and ages.
Who is Raquell Lord?
A: Raquell Lord is the newly crowned MISS CONTINENTAL 2025. She is a native of Texas but has been residing in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1992. She pursued a career in the art of female illusion and has become a celebrated figure in the entertainment and pageant world.
RAQUELL LORD (Photo credit Charlton Inije – Inije Photography)
Q: What is Raquell’s professional background?
A: Raquell is a professional dancer and illusionist, performing at various clubs in Atlanta. In addition, she is a professional makeup artist (Pro MUA) and has worked with notable personalities such as the R&B group SWV, cast members from reality shows like Married to Medicine and Real Housewives of Atlanta, and celebrities like Miss Lawrence Washington and Bevy Smith.
Q: Does Raquell own her own business?
A: Yes, Raquell owns Effortless Beauty By Raquell LLC. Her work as a makeup artist can be seen on her social media platforms on Instagram and Facebook, where she showcases her work in TV and film alongside other top MUAs in Hollywood.
Q: What role does faith play in Raquell’s life?
A: Raquell’s faith is rooted in her Christian upbringing in the Baptist and CME Methodist Church. She is committed to sharing her faith and exposing others to Christ. Raquell believes that consistency, honesty, faith, and grace are essential in leadership, mentorship, and transforming lives.
Q: What are some of Raquell’s achievements in the pageant world?
A: Over her 30-year career as a professional entertainer and pageant competitor, Raquell has captured numerous national titles, including Miss Black USA, Miss Black Universe, Miss Liberty International, Miss Black Continental, Miss USofA, Miss Renaissance, Miss Universal Show Queen, and more. She is also the former Miss National Entertainer of the Year.
RAQUELL LORD
Q: What is Raquell’s role in the entertainment community?
A: Raquell is a cast member of The Original Stars Of The Century and its successor, 2.0. She has also hosted her own show in Atlanta, The Main Event, featuring a star-studded talent night. In addition, Raquell is passionate about mentoring newcomers in the art of female illusion and pageantry, leading to the creation of “The Lord Dynasty,” where she gets to nurture, guide, and teach those under her tutelage.
Q: What are Raquell’s hobbies?
A: Raquell enjoys a variety of creative pursuits, including working as a makeup artist, listening to Jazz and Neo Soul music, mixing music, working out, and spending time with her family. She describes herself as a perfectionist and loves to express her creativity on beautiful canvases.
Photographer Credits| Charlton Inije – Inije Photography
