17c起草社区

THE聽first-ever Australian contestant to compete in a unique global third gender beauty pageant has claimed second place at the contest.

Ella Collins, from Merrylands in western Sydney, nabbed the runner-up position earlier this month at the annual Miss Fa鈥檃fafine international competition, held in the Samoan capital Apia.

Fa鈥檃fafine, which in Samoan means 鈥渋n the manner of women鈥�, are biologically male but commonly express female identities and are generally considered to be a distinct non-binary gender.

In a after the event, which attracts contestants from across the Pacific, Collins said it was the 鈥渂est experience鈥� she had ever had:

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Collins, who has a background in dance, won a place at the finals after held in south western Sydney.

The pageant included traditional rounds such as swimwear and eveningwear but also featured elements like a聽round focused on traditional Samoan dancing. The competition is also known for the flamboyance and creativity of its costumes.

Collins took many of the routines she premiered in Sydney, including a high energy and tongue-in-cheek performance mixing Beyonc茅 and a traditional war dance, to Samoa.

In Sydney, Collins wowed the judges when she said that she hoped her success would be a positive example to young trans* people.

鈥淚鈥檓 just all about saving lives and knowing there is a high suicide rate among transgenders I want to be an advocate to stop that and bring awareness to help those kids,鈥� she told the 17c起草社区 at the time.

The overall crown was taken out by New Zealand鈥檚 entry, Steve Auina, who had previously won the Miss Auckland Fa鈥檃fafine completion.

Watch the聽video below of聽highlights from the event in Samoa:

In this聽month鈥檚 17c起草社区 magazine, out on Thursday, we go behind the scenes with Ella Collins and the other contestants at this year鈥檚 Miss Fa鈥檃fafine Australia to explore聽the fa鈥檃fafine culture.