Amy Brosnahan Aucklander Amy Brosnahan is buzzing after making it to the national finals of a modelling competition, and says she was welcomed and treated just like every other contestant. The 18-year-old impressed in the Battle of the Babes Auckland final at The Empire last night, and will now compete against women from all over the country on 3 May. She decided to go ahead and take part after initially being told she couldn't, when she said she was transgender. Organisers admitted they hadn’t known how to handle the situation, but ultimately welcomed her back and apologised for any ‘misunderstandings’, saying they didn’t like it that they had upset anyone. Brosnahan says last night the organisers were welcoming and “lovely”, and treated her just like every other contestant. She says some of the competitors themselves were initially a little stand-offish, with advice such as “just don’t trip” but were quick to welcome and congratulate her after her first turn on the catwalk. “Because I was second to last they all watched me walk. I did my thing. When I got out there it just felt so natural. It was just amazing. When I got back they were all like ‘wow, you’ve got a fierce walk’ and stuff like that.” After the bikini section, a contestant came up and said “respect, respect, you’re very feminine” and “you’re just like a normal girl,” to which Brosnahan responded “Well, I am a normal girl”. She was so nervous when the finalists were being called out she couldn’t even watch, and was getting ready to go home. When her name was called and people cheered her response was “WTF just happened?!” and it took a while to move. The teen says while entering was initially about chasing her dream, competing after being temporarily told she could not was about taking a stand, and she is glad she went for it. She had a late night celebrating with a congratulatory bottle of bubbles from close supporters, and is still full of excitement this morning, enjoying a full ‘island style’ breakfast with friends.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 6th April 2014 - 10:44am