All that glitters is not girls in beauty contests

By Gedsiri Suhartono

JAKARTA (JP): Sashaying down a small catwalk before a dense crowd of spectators and supporters, many of the pageant contestants were stunners from head to toe.

Perfect hairdos, makeup and accessories suited to their apparel. Slightly above-average height for Asian women, slim, lean bodies, toned arms and legs. Through their gait, demeanor and poses, they were on a mission to persuade the audience and jurors they were the best.

Brimming with confidence amid the cheers, they paused to allow the audience to observe an often blatantly overdone feminine charm.

Some were full-breasted, others so flat that a strapless dress sagged to reveal a bare, flat chest. In other words, the dress slipped from lack of support.

The contestants were not seeking to be obscene or perverted. More likely, the unintentional flashing occurred because the dress was not precisely fitted.

Then again, such fashion glitches are perhaps to be expected in a supermodel contest for transvestites, or "lady-boys" as they choose to describe themselves.

An original entry list of 75 was whittled down to 42 semifinalists last in downtown's Moonlight discotheque and club. A winner will be picked from the 12 finalists set to strut their stuff on Friday.

Located on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, adjacent to the Gajah Mada and Mangga Besar intersection in West Jakarta, Moonlight's aura pretty much reflects its name. Established in the 1970s, the dimly lit, nearly run-down two-story club can be packed with from 250 to 500 visitors during "alternative" theme nights.

During this decade, Moonlight began to cater to those with alternative preferences for nightlife and leisure. Wednesday and Friday are the nights to hang out for those in search of something decidedly different from the capital's mainstream clubs.

Designer Jondrie Erman, a coordinator of the event, said the contest was intended as a talent search for those with potential for a modeling career.

"Aside from having fun and meeting people of their own kind, this event is also meant as an opportunity to exercise their talent and build their self-esteem."

Contestants are judged in the categories of casual dress, swimwear and evening gown. Emphasis is on body proportionality and bearing.

The only prohibition is the wearing of heels higher than 12 cm.

"They will be judged according to how well they are able to present the sets of dresses as a transvestite model," Jondri said. "The particular standard we use is based on proportionality instead of how close they are to appearing womanlike."

Big-breasted transvestites, for instance, would not be a surefire winner, and a more masculine-looking contestant would not be immediately ruled out.

Many transvestites consider winning or placing in a beauty pageant to be prestigious. It is a chance to promote oneself, even though many big names in the fashion and modeling industry retain preconceived prejudices against transvestites.

The winner, runner-up and third-place finisher receive trophies, cash and the three sets of clothing they wore in the contest.

Winner of the 1997 Transvestite Supermodel contest, Florence, said the title brought in more modeling jobs. It also led to recognition among her peers.

"It is quite flattering when some transvestites greet me on the street because they know me from winning several other awards," the 175-cm tall Florence said.

Aside from the social stigma transvestites face daily, Florence believes members of the fashion and modeling industries continue to belittle and prevent transvestites from entering the glamorous field.

Florence said this was despite the fact that many designers and models are gay.

"I do not know exactly why. Maybe because we could be as good as, sometimes even better, than women are," Florence lamented in a half-somber voice.

Florence advised contestants to make sure their apparel is in keeping with their physical attributes. Occasionally, audience members can focus on a participant who comes across glaringly as a man dressed up like a woman, with telltale facial features and physical characteristics.

Visitors to Moonlight need only an open mind and Rp 10,000 for the cover charge to seize the night. Putting aside any homophobic prejudices and paranoia, they may have a good time eavesdropping on the banter and teasing among the "girls".

"Hey, be careful, you're showing your 'thing'," chided a heavy baritone voice in one exchange.

"Uppsssie, pardon me," answered one of the contestants, hastily pulling down her slip which had ridden up to reveal a bulging crotch.