Sept 26, 2016: It is amazing how the society is changing for good. Transgenders in India have been the subject of mockery for centuries, but things are changing gradually. A few months back, India wholeheartedly accepted the teenage transgender Naina, a 16-year-old student who came out as gay and transgender.

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Now, Bishesh Huirem from Imphal will be representing the country at Miss International Queen, 2016 at Pattaya in Thailand in November. Miss International Queen is one of the most prestigious contests for transgender women from across the world. In this year's contest 30 finalists have been selected who all would take the mantle from the former winner of the contest, Trixie Maristela, from the Philippines, reported HT.

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According to the leading news portal, Miss International Queen is one of the most prestigious contests for transgender women from across the world. In this year's contest 30 finalists have been selected who all would take the mantle from the former winner of the contest, Trixie Maristela, from the Philippines.

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"I am not representing my state or region, but my country. Therefore, I will give my best and hopefully win the crown," she told the media.

The 26-year-old is busy preparing for the contest, to be the best. Bishesh is a trained apparel designer who runs her own beauty salon in Imphal. Beauty contests aren't anything new for her. Bishesh has been taking part in the contests since her school days, reported HT.

"I knew I was different when I was just 7-8 years old as I would feel uncomfortable going to a boys toilet. But it was difficult to convince my parents that I am a transgender," she said.

"I promised to fulfill my parents dream by completing my studies. Once I did that, I chose to pursue my own goals."

– prepared by Pinaz Kazi of NewsGram. Twitter: @PinazKazi