Got a tip? Send it to us at manila@coconuts.co.
The Miss Hercules pageant in Hercules City, California is making a conscious effort in accepting all contestants by allowing transgender Fil-Am Brandon Sooksampan to compete for this year’s crown.
The 15-year-old is the pageant’s first transgender applicant, and now its first transgender contestant.
Filipino-American Richard White, who is the president of the Miss Hercules Organization, said that while he was surprised to see Sooksampan’s application, he welcomed it.
“Everybody said why not? If the Miss Universe Organization accepts transgenders; if the Olympics accepts transgenders; the NCAA, and the Girl Scouts of America accept transgenders – why can’t we?” he said.
From an early age Sooksampan said that she has always known that she was female.
She said that her family, friends, and community have always supported her especially in her recent decision to enter the Miss Hercules pageant.
“I definitely want to win because I want to show people that no matter who you are or what you represent, we’re all equal and really just show the world that transgender people are normal people,” she said.
Her mom, Crystal, said that she was excited that Brandon was accepted into the pageant but still holds some motherly concerns.
“I’m a little bit nervous. I’m afraid of the rejection, but when I met Richard he’s really supportive. I think starting with the Miss Hercules pageant that will be something closer to her dream and I’m very happy for her,” Sooksampan’s mother said.
Sooksampan also said she is inspired by fellow transgender women Caitlyn Jenner and Geena Rocero, who is also Filipino.
“It’s definitely liberating to see people who go through the same thing as you and really accomplish something in life,” she said.
Sooksampan is aware that there may be haters and for them she shares this message.
“It’s fine. You guys can just say anything you want about me because I’m just going to live my life because I want to be happy and that’s what I aspire to be,” she said.
Sooksampan and her supporters hope her participation in the Miss Hercules pageant can help raise awareness of the transgender community.
“For my future, who knows what will happen? All I know is that I hope it will bring my community closer and it would bring all transgender girls to really just be proud of who they are and be happy,” said Sooksampan.
The Miss Hercules pageant will take place on Oct 17, 2015 at the Deanza Performing Arts Theater in El Sobrante, California. (Read more on Balitang America.)
Rommel Conclara, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
Photo: Brandon Sooksampan’s Twitter page (screengrab)
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
Reader Interactions