Chennai:
On Tuesday, Mumbai's Kareena was crowned the country's first transgender 'Miss India'. No, not the actress.
This was at a special beauty pageant in Chennai. While transgenders still find it difficult to get homes and jobs, the organisers of this event - an NGO - decided to give them a crown to flaunt.
"I wish they have this every year. It's a big opportunity for us," gushed the winner at the pageant.
The catwalk at this 'Miss India' contest for the transgender community was all about catcalls - with a difference. These were meant to cheer, and not tease, the 120 contestants as they sashayed down the ramp. The cheering audience numbered close to a thousand.
"I think society will soon treat us like women," said one of the contestants.
With the final word on decriminalising homosexuality still not out, activists across India continue their fight for the rights of people with alternate sexual orientations - hoping that such events will help fight the stigma.