Members of Australia’s bright and fearless community have united for the Miss Gay and Transsexual Australia International pageant to honour diversity.
The pageant celebrated its tenth anniversary in spectacular fashion at Williamstown Town Hall, in Melbourne, on Saturday evening.
Pageant co-founder and director Gayzha Davao told Daily Mail Australia the event was born out of a need to bring the transgender community into the mainstream.
Members of Australia’s bright and fearless community have united for the Miss Gay and Transsexual Australia International pageant
The pageant celebrated its 10 year anniversary at a spectacular show at Williamstown Town Hall, in Melbourne, on Saturday evening
Pageant co-founder and director Gayzha Davao told Daily Mail Australia the event was born out of a need to bring the transgender community into the mainstream
Instead of typical pageant swimwear segment, the founders changed it to ‘activewear’ allowing participants to feel more comfortable
The pageant started a decade ago in a small bar in St Kilda to draw attention to the transgender community
The pageant has spent the last decade tackling inequality facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia and abroad by promoting inclusion and diversity
Bright and bold makeup was a big feature of Saturday nights event, with this contestant opting for glamorous lashes
With bright purple eye shadow, a contestant stares into the mirror backstage
‘We started 10 years ago in St Kilda in a small bar. The reason we did the pageant is because we didn’t have anything like this before,’ Gayzha said.
‘The transgender community was quiet at the time.’
With big dreams in their sights, the pageant has spent the last decade tackling inequality facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia and abroad by promoting inclusion and diversity.
The competition is split into two categories to contribute to the vision of inclusion – Miss Gay and Miss Transgender.
Miss Gay contestants are homosexuals who dress up as drag queens or enjoy performing.
Miss Transgender is delegated to those who identify as transgender or are transitioning.
Contestants are seen changing outfits during the three-and-half hour spectacular show
The competition is split in two categories to contribute to the vision of inclusion – Miss Gay and Miss Transgender
One contestant takes a selfie while wearing a sparkly full-length purple gown and statement wig
A candidate is seen busy at work with a number of make up brushes as they prepare their make-up for the show
Contestants pose and dance during the activewear segment which was brought into the show to encourage greater participation
Wearing shiny knee high boots, one glamorous contestant dangles eloquently in the air
‘For the past 10 years we’ve met a lot of candidates, not only in Australia but we also have candidates from overseas,’ Gayzha said.
This includes participants from countries such as Malaysia, India and Thailand.
The theme for Saturday’s event, Colours of Diversity, was part of a broader message the pageant has tried to welcome to society.
‘Everyone is representing their culture or country they want to,’ Gayzha said
‘Our theme is to celebrate people from different backgrounds or culture, for inclusion as well.
‘We would like to celebrate and accept people from everywhere’
The theme for Saturday’s event, Colours of Diversity, was part of a broader message the pageant has tried to welcome to society
The founders are also trying to unite trans and gays through the show as they had previously struggled to connect
With stunning blonde curls, this contestant sings for the crowd while donning a red shining bodysuit
The spectacular event lasts for three-and-a-half hours and the co-founders pride themselves on timeliness
The doors are opened at 6pm and the show kicks off with an opening number performed by the united Miss Trans and Miss Gays at 7pm
Contestants are seen having the time of their lives during the activewear section, opting for bright colours
The inclusion also hits close to home and directly affects the pride community, according to co-founder Norbert Neugbauer.
‘We are about bringing people together as well. There is a lot of fragmentation within the LGBTQIA+ community,’ Norbert said.
‘We’re trying to bridge the gap between the gays and the transsexuals because that’s one of the things there is. Years ago they hated each other and they wouldn’t talk to each other.’
‘If someone shines it’s actually to put the other person down, and what we’re trying to do is lift the spirit and bring them together.’
The spectacular event lasts for three-and-a-half hours and the co-founders pride themselves on timeliness.
A contestant makes a final check of their make up and hair through a vanity mirror in the changerooms
The show relies on volunteers who are seen prepping a contestants hair and make up
The contestants are judged by a panel of eight community members – who are specifically chosen to ensure they have no predisposition to competitors
The judges conduct interviews with the contestants and they are encouraged to interact with each other throughout the day so they all get to know each other
The co-founders explained that the pageant is more than beauty but most contestants spend a lot of money on their attire
The doors are opened at 6pm and the show kicks off with an opening number performed by the united Miss Trans and Miss Gays at 7pm.
‘As far as I know, everyone loved the show,’ Norbert said.
‘This year we’ve done something a little bit different. Instead of doing swimwear we’ve put in activewear to let more people in and within activewear people can wear swimwear.’
‘It gives more opportunity to bigger people.’
The contestants are judged by a panel of eight community members – who are specifically chosen to ensure they have no predisposition to competitors.
‘Some of these contestants have spent hundreds of dollars on their frocks their outfits, their makeup, their hair,’ Norbert said
‘It also shows their creativity because some of the contestants have actually made their own outfits,’ co-founder Norbert said
A barely dressed contestant applies make up to their face in the change room
A red haired bombshell poses for the camera with two men displaying their bare chests and tattoos
Members of the crowd appear ecstatic to watch the show, grabbing their phones so they can relive the performances
The judges conduct interviews with the contestants and they are encouraged to interact with each other throughout the day so they all get to know each other.
‘It’s more than just throwing on a frock,’ Norbert said.
‘Some of these contestants have spent hundreds of dollars on their frocks their outfits, their makeup, their hair.’
‘It also shows their creativity because some of the contestants have actually made their own outfits.’
Misty Del Ray from Tasmania won Miss Gay and Vienna Salvo won Miss Transsexual.
The co-founders remained adamant that the pageant is more than a competition as they drive to deliver a message
The winner of Miss Gay Australia appears tearful but happy as she wears a tiara and holds a bouquet of flowers tightly
A fierce contestant strikingly poses at the crowd while displaying her arm high into the air
Contestants come together at the end of the show in luxurious full-length gowns to pose for pictures
Matching her red gown with long red gloves, a contestant thanks the crowd
The co-founders remained adamant that the pageant is more than a competition as they drive to deliver an important message.
‘We need more candidates, especially candidates from all over Australia. I know there are a lot of trans people out there but, the pageant isn’t as famous in Australia, as other Asian countries,’ Gayzha said.
‘We’re not just after finding someone with a talent, we are also after people who want to develop themselves and really try to help each other.’
‘We’re trying to make it like a family, a community gathering people, building people.’
‘We need more candidates, especially candidates from all over Australia. I know there are a lot of trans people out there but, the pageant isn’t as famous in Australia, as other Asian countries,’ Gayzha said
Esther Rix, Miss Gay Australia 2018, showed her winning talents and sung for the audience
Laughter was key to the change rooms amid the hustle and bustle of quick costume changes
The contestant wears a breathtaking white gown with a long trail following her back
One contestant cheekily poses for the camera while wearing a glittering purple dress with a leg slip
A candid shot of a contestant backstage while others are already dressed in their evening gowns
One contestant appears deep in thought as she waits for her moment in the spotlight