A transgender beauty queen has been helping Heideveld High School organise a fund-raising pageant.
The no-fee high school’s governing body has been working with Wirdaat Adams, Gadija Adams and Chedino Martin, from a group called Pro Squad Co-ordinators, to organise the event.
The three describe themselves as activists and are current or former residents of Heideveld.
“Last year, we hosted a fund-raiser, but only the Grade 12 pupils could participate, and this year, we decided to open up the pageant for the whole school,” said governing body chairman Marius Conjana.
“The same people who arranged last year’s event, are organising it again this year, and we are so grateful. We wanted to involve everyone in the revival of the Miss and Mr Heideveld High pageant. Not only will we be raising much-needed funds, but we will also foster community spirit. We are now also looking at making this an annual event.”
The preparations and rehearsals for the pageant have included having Chedino Martin giving the girls a master class in ramp walking.
Martin’s pageant titles include be crowned Ms Transgender South Africa and the first Ms Trans Africa. At the Ms Trans Global pageant in London last year, Martin was crowned second princess and also announced as Activist Queen of the Year.
“I know how hard it was for me growing up in Heideveld. If not for the few people who helped me, I would not be where I am today,” said Martin.
“It has always been a childhood dream of mine to be on an international stage, and that happened last year. The master class is so much more than just learning how to model on a ramp. It has the tools for day-to-day life. I refer to it as ramp leadership and empowerment. It is about posture, public speaking, eye contact, and it helps tremendously with self-confidence and self-esteem. The skills they get can also help them in a job interview. This is not your typical pageant.”
Pageant contestant Cihana Christians, a Grade 11 pupil, said being part of the event had brought her out of her comfort zone.
“I never thought I would model. I am excited about it, even though it was not something I liked before,” she said.
Grade 9 pupil Tanyaradzwa Chikapu, said it felt good to do something that she had always wanted to do.
The pageant will be held in the school’s hall on Friday May 10, from 6pm. Tickets are R35, and the doors open at 5pm.
