A representative from Vietnam was crowned the 2018 Miss International Queen, a transgender beauty pageant, after an enthralling performance in the final night in Thailand on Friday.
The contestants from Australia and host country Thailand were first and second runners-up of the contest held in the Thai resort city of Pattaya.
Male-to-female transgender contestants from 27 countries and territories participated in this year’s Miss International Queen, which has been held annually in Thailand since 2004.
Huong Giang, who became known in Vietnam after finishing fourth at the reality TV singing talent show Vietnam Idol in 2012, made it to the final three after impressing the audience and judges with her evening gown, 55kg traditional costume and swimwear performances during Friday’s finale.
In the last interview question, Giang was asked what social campaign she would launch to make the world better.
“I will demand equality for all because everyone wants to be happy and everyone wants a better life,” Giang answered in Vietnamese.
“The same is true for transgender people. We also want to be happy and have a better life, one that is free of discrimination and prejudice. I will demand equality for transgender people, and I hope we will all work together for a better world. Thank you,” the singer spoke confidently.
Her interpreter, however, was inaccurate and incoherent in his translations and failed to convey the full meaning of Giang’s answer into English.
Apart from the crown, the representative from Vietnam also won two complimentary titles of Miss Communications and Miss Talent.
Jacqueline from Australia was the first runner-up, while second runner-up title went to Rinrada Thurapan from Thailand.
Huong Giang was born in Hanoi as Nguyen Ngoc Hieu. She underwent sex reassignment surgery in 2010.
She also won the 2014 cycle of The Amazing Race Vietnam, a reality TV show in which competitors race around the world while finishing challenges on the way.
Contestant Rinrada Thurapan of Thailand kisses crown winner Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam during the final show of the Miss International Queen 2018 transgender beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand March 9, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre |
Contestant Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam waves as she was crowned winner of the Miss International Queen 2018 transgender beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand March 9, 2018. Photo: Reuters |
Contestant Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam is kissed by runner-ups as she was crowned winner of the Miss International Queen 2018 transgender beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand March 9, 2018. Photo: Reuters |
Crown winner Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam walks in a swimming suit during the final show of the Miss International Queen 2018 transgender beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand March 9, 2018. Photo: Reuters |
Contestant Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam prepares backstage before the final show of the Miss International Queen 2018 transgender beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand March 9, 2018. Photo: Reuters |
Contestant Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam prepares backstage before the final show of the Miss International Queen 2018 transgender beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand March 9, 2018. Photo: Reuters |
Contestant Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam prepares backstage for the final show of the Miss International Queen 2018 transgender/transsexual beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand March 9, 2018. Photo: Reuters |
Contestant Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam prepares backstage before the final show of the Miss International Queen 2018 transgender/transsexual beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand March 9, 2018. Photo: Reuters |
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