The 25-year-old beat 24 other contestants for the crown, with the second and third place going to contestants from Brazil and Venezuela, respectively. The pageant, which brings together transgender people from around the world, was launched over a decade ago to help transgender women feel more accepted by society. "It's like a new category, but the gender already existed a long time ago," said Jiratchaya, donning a white glittering and black side rim evening gown. The contest, in its 12th year, was held at the Tiffany's nightclub in the Thai seaside town of Pattaya, which is famous for its transvestite cabaret. Thailand remains a largely conservative society, with no laws recognizing same-sex unions though it has a prominent lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Source: bd News24 March 11, 2017 21:20 UTC