Resplendent in a figure-hugging gray and black dress, Sorrawee Nattee wept tears of joy after being crowned Thailand’s most beautiful transsexual at a unique pageant.
Sorrawee took the top prize at Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2009 in Pattaya, beating 29 others and winning a small Honda and 100,000 baht (US$2,860) in cash on Friday night.
“I’m very excited,” the willowy 20-year-old from Thailand’s southern Songkhla Province said, touching the glimmering crown.
She appeared overwhelmed by hordes of photographers, camera crews and well-wishers as the scene played out before a live TV audience of 15 million people.
The contest included categories for Best Costume, Miss Photogenic and even Miss Unlimited Sexy Star.
The packed theater was a mix of transsexuals, gay and straight couples and Western tourists.
Dresses ranged from flowing white ensembles to shimmering red numbers and pink miniskirts.
The evening was put on by Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, which owners say is the world’s largest transsexual cabaret.
All contestants were born men and organizers said they hoped to raise public awareness of transgender issues.
“She had smart answers and is very beautiful,” Marut Sarowat, a well-known TV and stage director who was one of the judges, said of Sorrawee.
Thailand is generally accepting of transsexuals, he said.
“I think our country is open for all kinds of genders,” he said. “Because everyone should do their best for themselves and for society. Thai people can accept transsexuals. All people must be good people.”
When asked to name her hero, winner Sorrawee earned loud applause by naming her mother and father. As the evening progressed, cheers for her grew louder and louder as the audience urged their favorite to victory.
Kathoey, also called “lady boys,” are highly visible in Thailand and have achieved prominence in popular culture such as on TV and in musical acts. Many kathoey work in salons, clothing shops and travel agencies.
But the nation’s relaxed attitudes toward what it views as the “third sex” does not mean that all obstacles to acceptance have been eliminated.
Many transsexuals live their lives as women, but cannot change their national ID cards from male to female.
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