Meet Turkey’s First Transsexual Beauty Queens

An audience member gazes in a mirror in Istanbul on June 21, 2014.
An audience member gazes in a mirror in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. The contest was attended by approximately 500 audience members of mixed sexual orientation, and was judged by a jury of eight 'veteran' transsexuals.Sedat Suna—EPA
By TIME Staff
Transsexual beauty contest in Istanbul
Contestants prepare backstage during a Turkey's first transsexual beauty contest in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. The contest is part of Turkey's Istanbul Gay Pride Week, which celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year.Sedat Suna—EPA
A contestant gets a manicure as other contestants prepare backstage in Istanbul on June 21, 2014.
A contestant gets a manicure backstage in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. Of the 13 contestants, many participated despite fears of their sexuality being discovered by their families or employers.Sedat Suna—EPA
Contestants prepare backstage in Istanbul on June 21, 2014.
Contestants prepare backstage in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. The contest provided a moment of relief at a time when Turkey's LGBT community faces continual violence, as well as legal and social discrimination.Sedat Suna—EPA
An audience member gazes in a mirror in Istanbul on June 21, 2014.
An audience member gazes in a mirror in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. The contest was attended by approximately 500 audience members of mixed sexual orientation, and was judged by a jury of eight 'veteran' transsexuals.Sedat Suna—EPA
Yanki Bayramoglu walks the catwalk during the contest in Istanbul on June 21, 2014.
Yanki Bayramoglu walks the catwalk during the contest in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. Contestants appeared first in bikinis and later in full costumes.Sedat Suna—EPA
Transsexual beauty contest in Istanbul
Contestants prepare backstage in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. Despite the competitive nature of the pageant, contestants appeared to be mutually supportive and helped one another with hair styling, make up, and costumes backstage.Sedat Suna—EPA
A contestant waits backstage in Istanbul on June 21, 2014.
A contestant waits backstage in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. Many Turkish transsexuals are forced into becoming sex workers once their sexuality is exposed to their communities.Sedat Suna—EPA
Yanki Bayramoglu poses for pictures after winning the contest in Istanbul on June 21, 2014.
Yanki Bayramoglu poses for pictures after winning the contest in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. According to Amnesty International, transsexuals in Turkey constantly face hate crimes, harassment, and honor killings which are generally overlooked - or perpetrated - by police and government officials.Sedat Suna—EPA
Yanki Bayramoglu takes center stage after winning in Istanbul on June 21, 2014.
Yanki Bayramoglu takes center stage after winning the pageant in Istanbul on June 21, 2014. Turkey's LGBT community continues to expand and make strides both in the social and political arenas.Sedat Suna—EPA

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