Talent Hunt for Transgender

After fighting for equal rights in employment and voting, transgenders across the country are all set to take part in a first-of-its-kind talent hunt in Delhi on February 21. Credit for the concept goes to one of the Indian transgender community's most prominent members Laxmi Narayan Tripathi. (BCCL/Pushpesh Dhingra )

Laxmi is also the founder of the Asia Pacific Transgender Network and the only transgender representative of the UN's Civil Society Task Force on HIV/AIDS. (BCCL/Pushpesh Dhingra )

Laxmi Narayan came up with the idea for the contest five years ago, but could not garner enough support, but later she organised the 'Indian Super Queen 2010' pageant using her own initiative. (BCCL/Pushpesh Dhingra )

And now the Indian transgender community is gearing up for the 'Indian Super Queen 2010' contest. Auditions for the same will start on January 13, across ten cities. Thirty contestants will be chosen as semi-finalists, but only 12 will make it to the finals. (BCCL/Pushpesh Dhingra )

These finalists will then be groomed in the days leading up to the pageant and the winner and runners-up stand to win cash prizes of Rs 10 lakh, 8 lakh and 5 lakh respectively, they will also become honorary ambassadors of the Indian transgender community. (BCCL/Pushpesh Dhingra )

Khushi during a program 'Talent Hunt for Transgender' at Chest Paintal memorial auditorium, Delhi.  (BCCL/Pushpesh Dhingra )

Poonam during a program 'Talent Hunt for Transgender' at Chest Paintal memorial auditorium, Delhi.  (BCCL/Pushpesh Dhingra )

Poonam during a program 'Talent Hunt for Transgender' at Chest Paintal memorial auditorium, Delhi.  (BCCL/Pushpesh Dhingra )