The winners of 'Queen of Dwaya 2018' (from left) first runner up Sarah Sheikha (Thiruvananthapuram,) winner Sruthi Sitara (Kottayam) and second runner up Sreemayi (Thiruvananthapuram.)Kochi: Vibrant Kochi is home to people of various hues, cultures and identities. Numerous transgenders too find this melting pot a warm place to express themselves sans inhibitions. Dwaya, a charitable society working for the welfare of transgender community in Kerala, staged a fashion show where the third gender showcased myriad dress styles and patterns.
The event named 'Queen of Dwaya 2018' was held here at Cial convention center, Nedumbassery, as part of the first anniversary celebrations of Dwaya.
Mammootty, Jayasurya, Ambika, Ranjith Sankar, and actor-activist Sheethal Shyam during the inauguration of 'Queen of Dwaya 2018.'
Photo: Varghese Menacherry.Several celebrities from Malayalam film industry like Mammootty, Jayasurya, Ambika, Ranjith Sankar and actor-activist Sheethal Shyam, who is also the president of Dwaya, attended. Incidentally, Jayasurya plays the role of a transperson in the recently released film 'Njan Marykkutty'.
Commenting on the acceptance of transgenders by the mainstream Kerala society, Mammootty expressed his pride to be a Keralite. “I am proud that I was born to a land where both the ruling class and the commoners accept people from all genders and identities as fellow human beings,” Mammootty said as he addressed the gathering.
Commenting on the acceptance of transgenders by the mainstream Kerala society, Mammootty expressed his pride to be a Keralite.
Photo: Varghese Menacherry.Expressing her immense pleasure to lead Dwaya through progressive times, Sheethal Shyam said that Dwaya has already left a clear mark in the hearts of Kerala's educated society and will continue to spearhead the upliftment of gender minorities.
Dwaya, a charitable society working for the welfare of transgender community in Kerala, staged a fashion show where the third gender showcased myriad dress styles and patterns.
Photo: Varghese MenacherryThe programme, which commenced by 8:30 pm on June 18 ended just after midnight.
Dwaya had organised a transgender beauty pageant last year, which was the first of its kind in Kochi.
