Though transgender and general LGBT rights in India were only made legal in 2018, there has been growing tolerance in the subcontinent.
While many are still discriminated and even abused, in larger metropolises, there is more acceptance and even celebrations of transgender unions.
One such commemoration of trans people is the Miss Trans Queen India pageant.
And now, in its third year, the beauty contest has just crowned its winner, tattoo artist, Neetu RS from Bangalore.
As the latest winner, Neetu received a beauty treatment voucher and a free surgery offer from a clinic in Gujarat.
The annual pageant is held to empower the transgender community which often lies on the margins of society.
This year’s final took part in New Delhi where hopefuls from all over the country gathered to compete.
Neetu fought hard against 11 participants in the final and also won the Best Evening Gown title.
She told Indian Express: ‘It is a dream come true. I now want to represent my country at the international level and win the crown for India. My life story must inspire people. And I need to help my community break barriers.’
The beauty queen, who identified as a trans woman in middle school, felt that being successful would make it easier for her parents to accept her.
She started her own beauty parlour, opened a restaurant, and educated herself. And now, her whole family stand by her.
‘As a son, I completed my responsibilities,’ she explained. ‘That is when I decided to come out for the sake of my life and decided to step into the next phase.
‘I came out to my sister in 2016 who was shocked and in tears. I told her about successful LGBTQ+ people, showed her videos and how many people are part of the community.
‘She eventually told my mother who was depressed for a long time. But I told her that my strength lies in her and now, my entire family stands by me.’
Founder of Miss Trans Queen India, Reena Rai explained why the pageant is more than just a beauty contest.
She said: ‘When I started this, I was all alone. My victory lies in the fact that all my queens are standing with me.
‘These queens are not just about beauty but agents of change. They are doing work on the ground level.
‘They are celebrating the success of their own trans sister. They now understand that a transwoman winner is not just an individual but a representative of the community.’
Here are some more images of Miss Trans Queen India 2019:
Neetu will now be entered in the Miss International Queen to be held in Thailand. Good luck, Neetu.
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