Kerala's first ever beauty contest for transgenders gets its winner in Shyama Sanju

Apart from Shyama Sanju, two other contestants who stole the limelight were Jaz D'souza and Harini Chandana. Photo Courtesy: Twitter/ Kerala9

Kerala as a state can definitely be called a champion of transgender rights. Why so? Well, because it's done a fair share of work for the upliftment of the transgender community. And this time, it's done something amazing by organizing its first ever beauty pageant for transgenders--Queen of Dhwayah 2017 .

According to a report published in the International Business Times, the event was held on June 15 at CIAL Convention Centre in Nedumbassery, where Shyama Sanju bagged the first spot and was crowned by none other than the renowned actress Madhoo. Interestingly, Sanju is also the first person to receive the state government scholarship for transgender persons, which was awarded to her a few weeks ago.

In fact, it was a very interesting question that helped Sanju win the title. When asked, "If you adopt a child, which gender would you prefer? Boy or girl?" she said, "Boy. More than women, it is men, who harass transgenders more, so I would like to adopt a boy and teach him how to respect transgenders, and how they are equal to others. Let him grow up by learning to respect all equally."

Wow! Now, that was one hell of an answer and it impressed the panel of judges, including Miss India 2008 Parvathy Omanakuttan and model-host-actress Ranjini Haridas.

Apart from Sanju, two other contestants who stole the limelight were dancer Jaz D'souza and stage actress Harini Chandana. They were declared the first and second runner-ups in the contest, which saw the participation of 15 candidates. The pageant had three rounds, where the participants walked down the ramp dressed in ethnic, designer saris, and gowns.

Also, Queen of Dhwayah 2017 was organized by Dhwayah Arts and Cultural Society with the aim to draw attention to the third gender in the society and its inclusion. In an interview to the Hindu, Sheetal Shyam, one of the transgender activists, said, "Our attempt is to bring more transgenders to the mainstream of society and help them find jobs and means of livelihood."

The event was also attended by Kerala Health Minister, KK Shailaj. Needless to say, she was left impressed with the talent she witnessed there. "Transgender persons are still not fully included by the society. There are engineering graduates who were denied jobs just because of their identity. We can together work towards it. Transgender persons should aim to complete their education, and the government will be with them at every step," she said in an interview to The News Minute.

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