Miss Trans Global Canada "An Unconventional Beauty"

It was a long day having just finished filming a recent project with SideNote & DIY Theatre entitled "Moon Legends", a terrific queer story by the way. While I was busy with my character works there was an opportunity that presented itself a few days ago that kept crawling out of me "The Miss Trans Global Pageant". Although I thought to myself at first having not read anything more about the rules and what the pageant is about, I brushed it off thinking I'm too old for this. More negative self talk followed by "You're too fat", "You're not good enough", "Nobody cares". I calmed my self down knowing full well and convinced that I will not join this competition. As I sit there in the living room trying to forget about it knowing that I have a few more hours before the deadline. I said to myself "I'm all dolled up already what's the harm and I'm sure I won't get picked anyways might as well try" and I did. Quickly recorded an audition video and took a few photos. I sent it to the universe and hoped for the best. A couple days later I received an email that honestly rocked my world. I couldn't believe they picked me. The imposter syndrome sets in while I was clearly ecstatic, I felt truly grateful and excited. My super hyper sensitive brain went into overdrive thinking of really superficial notions like "What am I going to wear?". I took a deep breath and revel in the reality I plunged myself into. "I am a beauty queen, an unconventional beauty queen". The words I would never even imagine uttering let alone experiencing. I've always been fascinated with beauty pageants, I love the glamour especially the Q&A. I've followed Miss Universe ever since I can remember living in my native country Philippines but never in my wildest dream I would do it myself. As I scower many many outfit possibilities and still elated from the news, I realized this is an opportunity for me to rewrite the trajectory of my story. Having only recently came out as Trans, I thought this is a dream come true. I felt like I was preparing for this my whole life. I can finally properly celebrate this milestone of being a proud Trans woman.

As I continue to revel in the disbelief and excitement, I realized that Miss Trans Global is a pioneer in the virtual world of pageantry. Kudos to Miss Sahhara Iris for inventing this initiative. It not only creates a world of entertainment in the midst of the pandemic but the organization is the first one to promote inclusivity hence the unconventional beauty aspect. Most pageants have an age restriction and to my delight MTG does not. Most beauty pageants also has a body image criteria and MTG does not. Needless to say it made a great impression on me to allow incredible Trans women of all shapes and sizes all over the world to tell their own story.

Now that I have this amazing opportunity, the question is "Why did I join Miss Trans Global in the first place?" Maybe in the back of my head I've always wanted to, I've often day dreamed strutting on the streets like it's a runway, imagining wearing a beautiful gown, but I've also always had an incredible desire to tell my story. *Refer to my article "Memoirs of a Trans Artist" to get an in depth look. A story that some might call inspirational that you can go to hell and back, and still be kind and good. That you can experience rejection in the worst way imaginable and still come out of it resilient and humble. That you can accept your flaws and weaknesses as a source of power and strength. This is why I joined Miss Trans Global. Even though I had those negative voices in my head saying "You can't", I've managed to silenced them for my greater good. I just hope that I can inspire others to do the same. I've always lead with my heart and through my love of music, I hope to tell my story the best way I know how. Music is the language of the spirit and I hope to share that with the world.

As a newly out Trans woman, I've also pondered about the stigma surrounding our very existence. The reason why I hid my identity is because of the stigma, I was afraid to lose my job and my friends, realities that most Trans women all over the world only hoped it's the least of their problems. Black Trans women in the United States are disproportionately murdered, "Brayla Stone, Merci Mack, Shaki Peters, Draya McCary, Tatiana Hall, and Bree Black" were the recent victims. 2020 is responsible for the killing of the 22 mostly Black Trans women in the U.S. Canada is no better, while we are considered progressive in so many ways when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights, it doesn't discount the transphobia, homophobia and racism embedded in the very mantle of our society. "Julie Berman" was a recent victim of transphobia in Canada. Nevertheless, the fight for Trans Rights is still very much a priority and as Miss Trans Global, this is my prerogative. How do I do this? How do I change the narrative of the Trans identity? How can I prevent the senseless killings of our brothers and sisters? It's an undertaking and it's not going to be easy. I'm going to lead with my heart. The initiative of #changeheartsandminds4ever is a campaign to lead with our hearts first and foremost. How do you change someone's heart? It's ambitious but not impossible. The heart is connected to our deep seeded values and to penetrate it involves a divine intervention. You might be thinking this is getting a little too philosophical but hear me out. When was the last time you heard music that inspired you to dance? Listening to Bob Marley for me. When was the last time you listened to the likes of Maria Callas and said she's not from this world? Music has the ability to inspire, uplift, and change the very molecules of our being. It has the power to affect us. Masaru Emoto claims that human speech or thoughts has a dramatic effects on water, considering an average human body is composed of 70% water, he claims that positive words and emotions, classical music and positive prayer directed to water produces beautiful crystals. I don't know about you but I love myself some beautiful crystals. Humanity is also capable of such transformation, we just need positive affirmations and influences to guide us through. Although my humility tells me that I will always be a work in progress, I've always looked at a glass half full as an opportunity to learn and grow as an Artist. Maybe not quite the prestige of Maria Callas but I know in my heart that this is my ammunition for change. To reiterate, Music is the language of the spirit and it transcends culture and languages. It uplifts our hearts and makes us feel that there is more to this plane of existence we're living, a higher power per say. Changing hearts is to connect with that higher spirit through the art of storytelling in music. Storytelling connects us all, it dissolves our differences and break down barriers, so that we can find aspects of ourselves in others, and of others in ourselves. This is my goal when given the opportunity and platform to amplify my voice to the globe.

Changing minds is a natural progression when the heart is touched. It's the beginning of the real conversations that allows us to evoke empathy. The platform of Miss Trans Global will allow me to engage in dialogues with the leaders of our community. Through social media platforms and speaking engagements, these important topics will be heard and amplified. Addressing the narratives of Transphobia in our communities and the quality of life Trans women endures all over the world. I plan to also install a podcast that addresses the difficult conversations with our families, friends and allies about the daily struggles of Trans folks suffering from gender dysphoria and the steps to transitioning. My ultimate goal however is to have a frank conversation with church leaders and politicians about the real struggles that affects our Trans community especially Trans women of colour. Changing their belief system is close to impossible but my focus will be is to create a safe space of co existence in the tenet of mutual respect. How can I achieve this? Through empathy and compassion in the mode of storytelling. Achieving that would be a victory. I will also be engaging in conversations with our political leaders about Trans rights, equity and equality. Addressing the poverty that wreaks havoc among Trans youths, employment disparity, drug abuse, anxiety and mental heath among other issues.

I would also spearhead in acquiring financial support from the government and the private sector in helping LGBTQIA+ individuals in granting asylum to Canada from countries they are deemed in danger. Fundraising efforts for the MTG organization is also a priority, with the combined efforts of the queer and allied Artists through online or live concerts and special events.

My hope for the future is bright for our community. Call me naive or ambitious but in my experience Love is truly powerful. Loving ourselves first is crucial in making it possible. I've learned it the hard way but its ok. I've realized I've recently finished baking. I am now a fully baked chocolate chip cookie. *Refer to my article "Memoirs of a Trans Artist" to understand this metaphor. Now that I am self loving, I want to inspire others to do the same. Miss Trans Global will allow me to be the leader I've always strive to be. A leader that leads with love and compassion, a leader who's unafraid to ask the difficult questions, a leader that will propel the Trans community into a new era of visibility and acceptance. Remembering to always keep the faith to fight the good fight with all our might. To be a rebel of love.

"MAKE EMPATHY GREAT AGAIN"

Vote Miss Thalia "Canada" for Miss Trans Global 2020 on all your social media accounts. Remember to Like/Subscribe @misstransglobal for your vote to count. Thank you.