Israel holds first 'Miss transgender' beauty pageant

In a one of its kind pageant competitions, Israel will be holding its first beauty pageant for transgender women. Israel’s this move represents it as one of the progressive middle eastern countries when it comes to LGBT rights.

Nearly 30 transgender Jews Jews and Arabs auditioned Thursday at a Tel Aviv club for a place in the Miss Trans Israel pageant, according to a leading press agency.

“Definitely we are achieving, enlightening the people to accept and empower transsexuals,” said Israela Stephanie Lev, the pageant’s organizer.

The pageant will take place in May and the winner will represent Israel at the Miss Trans Star International pageant to be held in Spain in August.

Israel is considered the most gay-friendly country in the Middle East, also gays openly serve in its military. Though there is still a long way to go for Israel and other world countries, when it comes to their rights and recognition.  

Contestants wait for their call during auditions for the first Miss Trans Israel beauty pageant in Tel Aviv, Israel

The winner will represent Israel at a Miss Trans Star International pageant to be held in Spain in August

A contestant walks the catwalk during auditions for the first Miss Trans Israel beauty pageant