[Pantyholic]

Miss International Queen 2005

American wins transvestite and transgender beauty queen title.

PATTAYA, Thailand -- American Mimi Marks won 8,000 dollars, a crown and several other gifts by beating out contestants from around the world to win the Miss International Queen beauty contest for transvestites and transgenders here over the weekend.

Blonde Marks pipped Korea's Yu Ri and Thailand's Tiptanlree Rujiranon to win the title in the beauty quest being held for the second time.

Contestants from across the world took part in the contest, which selected the most beautiful woman who had been born a man.

Miss International Queen organizers said the contest aims to raise awareness of issues facing transvestites and the transgendered and improve their human rights. It also hopes to build a bridge between the transgender, lesbian, gay and bisexual communities.

Anybody born a man but living as a woman is eligible to enter the contest, though only one Thai may take part in the final.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is one of the sponsors of the event. Marks will be expected to return to Thailand at different times over the coming year to promote tourism to Thailand. (Mainichi Daily News)


The winner of 'Miss International Queen 2005' Mimi Mark from Iowa, US center is photographed with first runner up Yu Ri, of South Korea, left, and second runner up Tiptantree Rujiranon of Thailand. (AP)
More pictures from the contest