Thu 24 Mar 2016 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The Cook Islands once again hosted its popular transgender pagent after ten years, in an effort to decriminalise homosexuality. The Mizz Jewel competition is part of a campaign to decriminalise homosexuality and was attended by hundreds of people at the National Auditorium. Eight ladies took to the stage to compete for the title, which was taken out by Mizz Diamond. Organiser Valentino Wichman told One News that transgender people are generally accepted in the Cook Islands “but there is still that legal aspect hanging over our heads.” He says, ”For us it's about trying to educate them (the public) that we are part of society and we come from normal families." The 2006 title holder Angelyse Heitiare traveled from New Zealand to attend this years event.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 24th March 2016 - 2:01pm