Queen of Dhwayah, Queen of Dhwayah 2017
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For the first time in the history of Kerala, a beauty pageant for transgenders-- Queen of Dhwayah -- was held from 5:30 pm at CIAL Convention Centre in Nedumbassery on Thursday, June 15. 

More on Queen of Dhwayah 2017 auditions

Actress Madhoo crowned Syama Sanju as the Queen of Dhwayah. Dancer Jaz D'souza and stage actress Harini Chandana were the first and second runner-ups in the contest which saw the participation of 15 candidates.

Miss India 2008 Parvathy Omanakuttan, model-host-actress Ranjini Haridas, Dr Paul Mani and Dr Sam were the judges of the event. The competition had three rounds; ethnic, designer sari and the gown.

CPI (M) secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was the chief guest of the day, while KK Shailaja and MK Muneer also graced the event. Celebrities including Madhoo, Shwetha Menon, Rimi Tomy, Remya Nambeeshan, Pearle Maaney, Prayaga Martin, Srinda Arhaan, Rimi Tomy, Shamna Kasim, Krishna Prabha, Muktha, among others attended the event.

Also read: After Kochi metro, Technopark breaks the glass ceiling, puts a transgender on the payroll

Popular celebrity makeup artist Renju was one of the organisers of the beauty pageant along with transgender association Dhwayah Arts and Cultural Society.

The answer which helped Syama win the title

The question asked in the final round of the beauty contest was: "If you adopt a child, which gender would you prefer? boy or girl?"

While all other contestants answered they prefer girl child, Syama's answer was: "Boy. More than women, it is men, who harass transgenders more, so I would like to adopt a boy and teach him how to respect transgenders, and how they are equal to others. Let him grow up by learning to respect all equally.

Watch the crowning moments here:

Take a look at the Queen of Dhwayah beauty pageant event here:

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