Chennai transsexual to represent India in beauty pageant

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A Chennai girl will represent India at the world’s largest beauty pageant for transgenders and transvestites in Thailand, Miss International Queen 2011.

The 7th annual edition of the pageant, supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand will feature transgendered women from 25 different countries fighting for the crown.

Malaika will be India’s first contestant to try her luck at the glitzy show, which attracts thousands of tourists to the beautiful coastal city of Pattaya every year.

Born male, Malaika, 28, has been through four major surgeries and a series of medical treatments to transform into the svelte transvestite dancer-model, who has been chosen from among 18 other applicants from across India, to contest the pageant on November 4.

However, with hardly a fortnight to go, Malaika still does not have a sponsor.

“The contest requires me to wear seven different costumes including a grand evening gown, a traditional dress and a swimsuit. I also have to bear the expenses of the travel and accommodation for the special make-up artist I need for the talent round. Unless I get a sponsor, I cannot participate,” says a distraught Malaika.