Know More About Shaine Soni, Miss Trans Queen India, 2020

This year, fashion designer Shaine Soni was crowned Miss Trans Queen India 2020. Miss Trans Queen India  was first established by Reena Rai, in 2017. It involves multiple rounds including photoshoots, talent hunts, costume trials, judges and a throng of crowd.

This is picture of two women who belive in being a strength of eachother becoz they both belive that empowerment is embracing each other strength.#shainesoni#reenarai_mtqi#shethepeople#womenempowerment pic.twitter.com/HYMftO9hHb

— MissTransQueen India (@MissTransQueen) December 21, 2020

Here are 9 things to know about her.

1. Soni was born biologically male. As she grew up, her mother believed her to be gay.
2. She was constantly bullied her for having 'effeminate' mannerisms, preferring clothing considered to be feminine and for keeping long hair.
3. After entering teenage, Soni finally found relevant information on gender identity. At the age of 17, she left her home to pursue an education in fashion and live her life on her own terms.
4. She used hormonal therapy for her physical transition. During that time, she continued her journey despite the lack of support from her friends.
5. During her last year at NIFT, Soni won a reality show and bagged an internship with the Hong-Kong based trend forecasting company, WGSN.
6. After finishing her internship, she returned to India and started her own label, Nude. She opened a studio in Shahpur Jat, Delhi and also took on the role of a fashion and celebrity stylist.
7. During her journey as a stylist Soni met Reena Rai, the organiser of Miss Trans Queen India, 2020. The pandemic and Rai both encouraged her to step forward for the title.
8. For Reena, pageant isn't just about beauty, it is about empowerment and inclusion. She wanted to select someone to represent India and the LGBTQ+ community. For this, Shaine was a perfect choice.
9. Soni believes that she is now in a place where she can accept the title. She has gone through so much and knows the difficulties to be where she is presently. If someone reads about her and finds comfort, she thinks that her purpose is met.

Shivangi Thapa is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv