URNotAlone

Miss Trans Northampton Pagent

August 20th, 2009 10:58 am MDT

August 20, 2009

 Miss Trans Northampton Pageant Set to Debut

Transgender Women Vie for Crown; Miss Bay State 2009 Among Judges

 

(Northampton, MA)  On September 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Northampton Center for the Arts, the first-ever Miss Trans Northampton Pageant will sizzle onto the Pioneer Valley’s cultural scene. Produced by Christa Hilfers and planned as an annual event, the competition will introduce and recognize talented transsexual women living in the area.

 

“Having this pageant will be an exciting, fun experience for transsexual women,” said Hilfers. “For years, trans people have been knocked down by most of society. It’s time we trans women get up, brush the dirt off and show the world we are everyday people whose only issue was being born into the wrong body. Regardless of who wins the title, every trans person is beautiful! It’s time the world knows it.”

 

Competing in four categories – glamour, poise, evening gown, and talent – eight contestants each hope to win the title “Miss Trans Northampton 2009” along with a cash prize and an on-stage appearance at the New England Trans United Pride March & Rally. The winner will represent the city of Northampton as she fulfills her responsibilities in the coming year at fundraising functions for the transgender community.

 

Residents from across Massachusetts, contestants include Danica Marie Ali of Springfield, Samantha Cornell of Worcester, Lorelei Erisis of Northampton, Amy George of Harwich Port, Lily Rin of Newton, Leslie-Ann Rios of Monson, Jessica Thepsenabong of Quincy, and Tammy Twotone of Ludlow.

 

“Unlike other pageants, this is not a celebration of a single person’s beauty, but of a whole community,” said entertainer and stand-up comedian Twotone. “This is but one aspect of our community. It shows that we can appreciate the beauty of everyone, and it empowers us all. And besides, it’s going to be a hoot!”

 

Among the judges is Kimmy Supernaw, Miss Bay State 2009. Supernaw, a senior at Westfield State College said, “I’m excited to show my support for the gay/lesbian/transgender community. I think it’s an amazing opportunity for trans women to feel beautiful and share their stories and identities with others.”  Also on the judges’ panel are Jane Savage, owner of Ultra Gal; Bet Power and Aydin Brannon, transgender activists; Vickie Boisseau, intersex activist; and Susan Cummings Maroni, arts and culture writer for The Beat magazine.

 

Proceeds from the pageant will benefit the New England Trans United Pride March & Rally (http://www.newenglandtransunited.org), scheduled for October 3 in Northampton. Tickets are on sale at Ultra Gal, Food for Thought Books, and Pride and Joy Bookstore; may be purchased online at http://www.misstransnorthampton.tk; and will be available at the door.

 

The pageant has already attracted regional and national attention. WFCR-FM radio recently aired a segment about it and The National Geographic Channel plans to film at the event.

 

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Photos of Christa Hilfers, contestants, and judges are attached. Photos credit: Glenn Koetzner.