The Mayors Council of Guam is revamping the 81st Liberation Queen contest.   

The annual tradition to honor those who suffered, died and survived World War II seeing many changes.

For one, the Queen will no longer be crowned based on ticket sales alone. 

Yona Mayor Brian Terlaje is the Liberation Queen Committee Chair. 

“If you bring in $5000, that’s 25 percent of the judging total and so forth. $10,000 is 50% of the judging points, $15,000 is 75% and $25,000 and above is 100%. So that doesn’t necessarily mean– in the previous years if you brought in the most money you became the queen. This is just 50% of the judging criteria. The remaining 50% brings in pageantry,” said Terlaje. 

The ‘ticket sales’ will be calculated prior to the pageant evening but will not be announced until later. 

Then on the pageant night of the coronation, the judges will make a decision based on four categories: Village themed native costume, casual wear and evening gown inspired by the Fanohge CHamoru and questions and answers. 

The pageant also expanded participation while limiting others. 

“First of all, contestants must be born female, be a US citizen and a resident of Guam for at least 6 months before July 21st, 2025. So that date was changed,” said Terlaje. 

He said the new criteria opens up the door for not only CHamorus but to other ethnicities that live on the island and call Guam home. 

At the same time, transgender women are banned from participating. 

“There was a question that occurred when it came to transgender individuals. Although the committee respects the LGBTQ and transgender community, because this is the first to revamp the way the queen's coronation is going to happen, then we will look into that further discussion in further years,” added Terlaje. 

This year, contestants can be single, married, divorced and mothers but she cannot be pregnant during her candidacy or reign, as she must be in ‘good physical health’ as an ambassador. 

The age bracket also expanded from 18 years of age up to 30. 

“The committee even wanted to change it to the year of 40 because we're looking at trying to pull more revenue into the queen’s coronation and to the funding source. The committee did recognize that women between the ages of 35 and 45 are much more grounded and much more professional in their field. They can bring much more revenue to the table,” added Terlaje. 

Terlaje added contestants can have minimal tattoos this year, as long as it’s not visible. 

“So with the mirroring with the other international pageants, including pageants existing here on Guam, we will allow the ladies to have tattooing because it’s a significant part of the island culture,” he said. 

Candidates must turn in their packets by April 25. 

Village mayors unanimously approved the new qualifications.