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Thai trannies frock up for finals |
Thai trannies frock up for finals | 31.05.2008 | |
FINAL touches are being applied to sequined gowns and heavy make-up as 30 Thai transvestites prepare for a pageant that has become a national fixation.
"It`s a unique contest, the only one in Thailand and the biggest in the world," said Miss Tiffany`s assistant managing director, Alisa Phanpusak.
"This kind of pageant gives transvestites the chance to show what talent and beauty they have."
Sixty contestants were whittled down by half over the week through elimination rounds.
The event, now in its 11th year, has become increasingly high profile, with winners forging careers as television presenters and as the faces of beauty products.
The event`s official aim - to foster tolerance and appreciation of transvestites - is succeeding, organisers say.
"I think it helps people to be aware of human rights. Everyone is the same, you can`t discriminate in this country," Alisa said.
With substantial financial rewards on offer - 100,000 baht ($3200) for the winner, equivalent to a year`s wages for a factory worker - the transvestite beauty industry has become big business.
Scouts track down the most beautiful transvestites months in advance and put them forward for Miss Tiffany, hoping for a slice of the cash if they unearth a winner.
Some contestants try to win time and again - but few succeed.
Each contestant must bring a minimum number of gowns, including cocktail dress and evening gown, for the finals, but the better-off bring extra costumes.
"Each girl has a costume designer they pay themselves and each evening gown costs no less than 10,000 baht ($320)," said Nicole Kongpang who has been a Miss Tiffany beauty assistant for 10 years.
One fan, Ton, had already picked her favourite contestant ahead of the show.
"She looks like (pop star) Cher," Ton gushed. "To me, she looks as though she has completed her woman`s transformation."
Last year`s winner, known as Film, will clad herself in silver to perform the evening`s opening number with a full contingent of backing dancers, as the 30 finalists parade on to the stage.
The new Miss Tiffany will advance to the global competition, Miss International Queen, to be held here in October.
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