Mx. Upstate Pride 2026

The Upstate Pride Pageant is a celebratory showcase of authenticity, confidence, leadership, and community pride. Rooted in the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment, the pageant highlights individuals who use their voice, presence, and passion to uplift the LGBTQ+ community across the Upstate of South Carolina.

The pageant features three distinguished areas of competition:

Miss Upstate Pride SC
Celebrating contestants who embody grace, strength, and purpose, the Miss Upstate Pride SC division honors individuals who lead with poise and advocacy. This division recognizes those who inspire through their commitment to visibility, service, and positive representation.

Mr. Upstate Pride
The Mr. Upstate Pride division showcases contestants who demonstrate confidence, charisma, and leadership. Participants are celebrated for their authenticity, community involvement, and dedication to promoting pride, inclusion, and empowerment.

Mx. Upstate Pride
The Mx. Upstate Pride division proudly affirms gender diversity and self-expression. This division honors contestants of any gender identity who challenge norms, lead with courage, and represent the full spectrum of our community with pride and integrity.

The Upstate Pride Pageant is more than a competition—it is a platform for advocacy, visibility, and unity, and a joyful celebration of the diverse voices that make our community vibrant and strong.

Contestants must meet the following criteria in order to participate in the 2026 Upstate Pride Pageant:

1.       Contestants must be at least 18 years of age. Proof of age is required by a valid driver’s license, state ID, passport or any other government issued photo ID.

2.       Contestants must reside within a 100-mile radius of the Spartanburg, SC 29301 zip code. Distance will be confirmed via Google Maps driving directions.

3.       There are 3 titles for the 2026 pageant – Miss, Mr. and MX.

4.       Contestants must pay a registration fee to compete in the pageant. The fee must be submitted at the time of registration. The registration fee is $75.00 for all contestants registered through 04/15/2026. Contestants who register on or after 04/15/2026 will pay a registration fee of $100.00. Contestants who register on the day of the pageant will pay a registration fee of $125.00. This fee is non-refundable.

5.       Any Titleholder stripped of their title from year 2018 forward will be permanently banned from participating in any future Upstate Pride Pageant and may at the discretion of the board of Upstate Pride SC be banned from participating in Upstate Pride SC related events.