Go Canada Go!

Perhaps you've heard of Jenna Talackova, a BC beauty queen who changed her gender from male to female at the age of 19. She began horomone therapy at age 14 and is currently in the running for the title of Miss Canada.

Although this is a major win for the LGBT community, I can't help but disagree with some of what these pageants represent. The women who participate in these events seem to be ideal women: large breasted, neat, well-kept hair, straight, white teeth, etc. They are philanthropic and usually have goals to better our world. But are the interviews and the televised question-answer a cover for a glorified beauty contest? Isn't that how these pageants start with young children? Some children compete in pageants where they are solely judged on beauty, and later, when they're older, they show off their talents which can range from dancing, acrobatics, singing, etc. But let's have a look at the main events of beauty contests.

In beauty pageants for young ladies, there is an Evening Gown component where ladies dress up in elegant gowns, walk around the stage and illustrate their poise and regal beauty. In some there is a talent portion and/ or a national or themed costume where ladies perform a talent or show off their national representation via costume or a fun themed dress. There is also a swimsuit portion, which consists mostly of fabulously shaped bodies in scanty bikinis. And the interview where contestants illustrate their mental prowess and hopes and dreams for their future and the future of their world.

It seems, with all of the physical display of these fantastically, symmetrical women, that the interview is a bit of a cheap shot by creators of pageants. Everyone wants to raise young ladies who are thoughtful in addition to beautiful, but do we need to endorse large breasts, expensive dresses and fake tans?

Part of the reason why I would like to see Miss Jenna Talackova as Miss Canada is because she represents a change in gender thinking. Although she conforms to society's definition of female beauty, she has effectively challenged and broken down a barrier for the LGBT community. I hope that her involvement in this competition will provide many other transgender individuals with empowerment.