http://www.buzzfeed.com/skarlan/tomboy-beauty-pageant-in-the-philippines-causes-an-internet
I saw this article while on Buzzfeed and it really struck me because I have really never heard of anything like it. Although this show identifies itself as a "beauty pageant" it takes away the part where the contestants are judged for their looks. It focuses on personality and talent. This competition is in the Philippines and is open to anyone who identifies themselves as a 'tomboy' or lesbian (although the American meaning of tomboy doesn't necessarily mean lesbian).
I have never really watched beauty pageants but from what I understand not many gay women have the opportunity to compete in them, especially not androgynous women. Even in shows like American Idol or America's Next Top Model, very few contestants are androgynous and fitting the beauty standard is priority Being thin and having the 'right look' can be the difference between some contestants winning and some losing. But this show can be a chance for these women to show their talent without getting judged based on how they look or dress. I don't know if America would ever be up for a show like this but I think this show has a good idea.
I think this is a really good oppurtunity. On the current season of America's Next Top Model there is an androgynous model on the show and every week people are telling him something different. Sometimes his not masculine enough, sometimes he to feminine, sometimes he should of been a mix of both. Its very frustrating to him because he never knows which way to play it so I'm sure a tv show like this would be well received in America (for the most part).
ReplyDeleteI think this is great! The only thing that I was confused about is why it is still called a beauty pageant. That might just be a translation thing though..
ReplyDeleteI love this! I love the fact that it's called a beauty pageant because it's fighting the norm of what people view beauty. Awesome article.
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