But Claudia Shifted (Miss Flores Krismas) said participating in the pageant meant “a lot” to her, and is more than just promoting transgenders. The pageant will also showcase Guam’s unique culture, she said.
“I’m born and raised on Guam and there are different nationalities living on our island, and while that’s a good thing, it’s not a good thing for our culture. We have to battle for our culture to survive. We have a more Americanized culture and we’ve wandered further and further away from our roots. This pageant, in a way, helps to preserve our identity because its roots are Chamorro.”
Much nervousness and thought have gone into the presentation of this pageant. It is not a new idea or concept as many transgendered and gay pageants have been held on Guam in the past several years.
Although those pageants were geared towards an awareness and support of HIV and AIDS, Miss Guåhan 2011 is deviating from that mindset and is instead focusing on the dramatic art and storytelling aspect with a cultural and language twist to the indigenous perspective of the island, according to a Ginen press release.
Fresh approach
Ginen i Hila’ i Maga’taotao Siha Association wishes to let the audience know this is a fresh approach to looking at the pageant with the same dignity and respect accorded to an all-female pageant. The contestants are truly serious about their participation and have the same nervousness, excitement and anticipation of the mission and objectives outlined by the organization. They are to be treated with respect. It is not the intention of the group to encourage mockery, exploitation, and poking fun at individuals or the community.
The pageant will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the University of Guam Field House. The event is open to the public. Tickets are on sale for $25 VIP seating (floor level); and $10 general seating (bleachers). For ticket reservations and more information, call Peter R. Onedera at 671-477-4234 or Patti Quichocho at 671-734-1691.
The Miss Guåhan 2011 Beauty Pageant aims to raise funds for the participation of Ginen’s 25 members at the 11th Festival of the Pacific Arts in Honiara, Solomon Islands in July 2012.
Contestants will compete in three segments: the Parade of Flowers, Chamorro Native Costume, and Evening Gown. Other titles include: Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, Best in Chamorro Native Costume, Best in Flower Costume, Best Evening Gown, and the People’s Choice Award.
Leah-Jean Arriola Salas (Miss Flores Rosa) said the pageant is an important conduit for the community to understand and realize that Guam’s transgender community is a part of the community and should be looked at properly and respected.
“This gives the transgender community the opportunity to be well-represented. I was very happy when I heard about this pageant. Each one of us has different personalities and we want to show the public that we are individuals and that we have good hearts. We can show this to our island community in the way that we carry ourselves,” said Salas.
Origin
Ginen i Hila’ i Maga’taotao Siha Association was created and founded by Peter R. Onedera in 2003 upon the urging of former Department of Chamorro Affairs President J. Lawrence Cruz.
This was in preparation of Guam’s participation in the 9th Festival of the Pacific Arts that was held in Koror, Republic of Palau. Cruz wanted to increase Guam’s participation in the festival which previously only featured cultural dancers, weavers, a talaya net maker, contemporary musicians, blacksmiths, a tattooist, wood carvers, visual artists, and crafters.
