Miss Galaxy Pageant
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The Miss Galaxy Pageant is an annual event held in Nukuʻalofa, Tongatapu in the Kingdom of Tonga that selects the "best" Fakaleiti. Although the word "Fakaleiti" is literally translated as transvestite, the fakaleiti is more of a completely feminized man who lives and works as a Fakaleiti.
Contestants often come from around the Pacific and further abroad. It is highly competitive and well attended, although sometimes lewd and provocative. A panel of judges rate the contestants in a number of different categories. A member of the Tongan Royal Family is usually in attendance.
The 2004-2005 winner was Miss Kahana Lagoon, Felicia Brown Acton (25).
The Miss Air New Zealand Galaxy Queen Beauty Pageant(MANZGQBP)is a pageant that celebrates diversity and showcases the Talent of the local GLBT communities in Tonga. The term "Fakaleiti" is not nor no where near translated to transvestite!
Fakaleiti - lady like, wants to be a lady, similar to a lady (A term not preferred by the Transsexual community of The Kingdom of Tonga as it suggests trying to be like a lady, most simply prefer the term "leiti" which is more commonly used)
The Tongan Leiti's Association (TLA) Founded by the Internationally acclaimed Joleen Mataele who still today directs the MANZGQBP held over a three night period and attracts crowds of up to 5000 people per night.
The Patron for the MANZGQBP is the Honorable. Salote Lupepau'u Salamasina Purea Vahine Ari'i o'e Hau Tuita and is the eldest daughter of the Honorable. Siosaia Ma'ulupekotofa Tuita and Her Royal Highness. Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita, the first grandchild of the late King of Tonga His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho.
The Guest of Honor is always a Royal family member and The Honorable. Salote Lupepau'u Tuita is always in attendance and an active advisor to the TLA who have a core membership of 483 local and International Tongan GLBT peoples.
Joleen Mataele is the Pacific Island representative on the International Gay & Lesbian Association (ILGA) Executive Board and is the Chairperson of the South Pacific MSM Network Group.
MANZGQBP Attracts International Media Attention with attendance from celebrities such as Pamela Stevenson-Connelley & Minnie Driver.
The TLA are active in its mainstream community as advocates who also promote HIV/AIDS Awareness to Youth, Family and its GLBTD communities. TLA launched Tonga's first ever Condom and waterbased lubricant campaign 2007.
[edit] Past Winners
Years Names Title
1993 Vivien Cherlie - Miss Joeys Unisex Salon
1994 Fiona Gibson
1995 Coniteni Koloamatangi
1996 Libian Taylor
1997 Vaisima
1998 Hinalei - Miss Tonga Hawaii
1999 Chance - Miss Tonga Australia
2000 Urika - Miss Tonga Australia
2001 Liu ta fei - Miss Tonga Hongkong
2002 Pauline Deville - Miss Appruxes
2003 Sonia Innes Turulla Morgan - Miss Hufanga Lupe
2004 Phylesha Brown - Miss Kahana Resort
2005 Sabrina Eva
2006 Coco Chanderlier - Miss Tonga U.S.A
2007 Rasha Maya Dougals Tania
