The Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2024 pageant took place on February 24 at the Orion Function Center in Campsie, NSW. It celebrated beauty, talent, and inclusivity, highlighting the diversity and empowerment of the LGBTQI+ community for the 14th year in a row.
This year's competition showcased the talents of nine candidates from across the Asia-Pacific region, representing countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and various states in Australia.
Hair and make-up artist, Melanie Ngo from Vietnam was crowned as the Ms Mardi Gras Rainbow Princess, while the Malaysian beauty adviser and social media influencer, Nur Sajat received the Ms Mardi Gras Pink Triangle Princess title. The coveted title of Ms. Mardi Gras International Queen 2024 was awarded to Hershey Hernandez, representing Cavite in the Philippines.
Filipino Gay and Lesbian Community or FLAGCOM & Friends co-founder Albie Prias shared that the pageant served as a platform to raise awareness about important issues facing the LGBTQI+ community.
In addition to advocating for gender inclusivity, the event also aimed to promote knowledge about safe sex practices, with support from organizations such as the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON).
He, She, They
Another issue commonly experienced by transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse communities is misgendering or the use of incorrect pronouns for a person. For example, referring to a woman as “he” or calling her a "sir” is an act of misgendering.
At times, individuals use "he" to refer to themselves because they identify as boys or men, while others use "she" because they identify as girls or women. However, not everyone aligns with these traditional categories. Some individuals may feel like both, neither, or something entirely different. This is where the pronoun "they" comes into play.
Experts say misgendering can cause harm and discomfort to individuals whose gender identities may not align with societal expectations.
In an interview with ABC News, Gail Crimmins, who researches and teaches about gender at the University of the Sunshine Coast, states that misgendering people has a massive impact on their psychological and mental health and well-being.
Charles Chan, co-founder of FLAGCOM and Friends, emphasized the importance of greater understanding and sensitivity regarding pronoun usage within the community. He stated that understanding pronouns is a means of demonstrating kindness and acceptance. While pronouns may not be perceived as a big deal in the Philippines, there is a growing awareness in Australia about the importance of using them correctly.
Charles and other members of the community say it is crucial to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and respect where individuals feel safe and valued for who they are.
"It is perfectly acceptable to ask if you are unsure, as people would prefer you to ask rather than guess incorrectly. "
