Miss transsexual crowned

Transgender Melbourne showgirl Chelsey Mikimoto was last week crowned Miss Transsexual Australia 2010 during Australia’s first-ever transgender beauty pageant.
Held at St Kilda’s Bar 362 and organised by Victorian Secret Promotions, contestants were judged on their ‘creativity, talent, wit, beauty and confidence’.
Singapore-born Mikimoto wowed the judges with her poise, talent and quick wit, and was announced winner over runner-up Patricia Licaros.
“I am absolutely delighted to win the inaugural crown,” Mikimoto said. “I am also glad to have had the opportunity to meet and share the experience of being in a pageant with other transsexuals from Australia.”
The event drew a large crowd, with more than 270 spectators through the doors on the night, pageant director Gayzha told Sydney Star Observer.
Other runner-up prizes were awarded to Thai international student Jessie Kraus (second runner-up), Malaysian-born transsexual performer Aneeta Mooi (third runner-up) and engineer Alexandra Melati (fourth runner-up).
Gayzha said the pageant aimed to promote positive images in the media and community about the transgender community.
“It’s about strength, character and showing the world who transsexuals are in Australian society,” she said. “Transsexuals can step up to the stage to show that beauty exists in all human beings. It’s not about gender.”
Miss Transsexual Australia 2010 was held alongside Miss Gay Australia 2010, which focused on drag, rather than trans, performers. The title was awarded to Thai-Australian drag performer Kamira Holden.
While 2011 will bring another batch of contestants, for now, Mikimoto begins her yearlong reign as Australia’s top transsexual.
“Being Ms Transsexual 2010, she’ll carry the crown for the whole year,” Gayzha said.
“She’ll crown the next winner in 2011. Before that, she’ll be introduced as Ms Transsexual 2010 at her various appearances. It’s a great honour for her, being the first one to hold the title.”
Victorian Secrets Promotions is now accepting applications from across Australia for Miss Transsexual Australia 2011 and Miss Gay Australia 2011.

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