A trans beauty pageant in the heart of the Amazon

The battle for equality isn't just happening in Lima; it's happening in other regions of Peru, and one of its mechanisms is visibility. In the city of Iquitos—in the Loreto region, one of the hardest hit by HIV—one of the most prestigious trans beauty pageants takes place…

December 7, 2016

The battle for equality isn't confined to Lima; it's happening in other regions of Peru as well, and one of its key strategies is visibility. In the city of Iquitos—in the Loreto region, one of the hardest hit by HIV—one of the longest-running trans beauty pageants in Latin America takes place. On Saturday, December 3rd, the 15th edition of Miss Amazonas , where ten contestants showcased their splendor in the rain. More than 200 people supported their ten candidates, and Lía Torres took home the prize: she is the new trans beauty queen of Iquitos. A photographic journey through a night of celebration. By Diego Pérez Romero, from Iquitos, Peru. Regina puts the finishing touches on the evening gown of Saor Sax, the only androgynous contestant in the pageant. Regina is a well-known seamstress in Iquitos, who found her inspiration some years ago when one of her neighbors wanted to dress as a woman but lacked the resources to do so. Since then, she has specialized in making dresses for trans women, becoming well-known within the LGBTQ+ community. Saor doesn't fully identify as female, but feels the need to connect with it. "It's about finding balance; there's a balance for everything," she says. Saor is an artist; she paints in oils and expresses her feelings, which range from wounds that haven't yet healed to the liberation of her being. On the Malecón in Iquitos, after a few hours of rain, "On a night as beautiful as this, any one of us could triumph, be crowned..." is part of the lyrics of the anthem song that accompanied the tireless rehearsals. Saor Sax in her swimsuit. Linda Figueroa, 20, wasn't intimidated by the torrential rain that fell Saturday night. In her high heels and white dress, she walked confidently down the runway. The moment they all awaited, but that only one of them could achieve: the coronation of Miss Amazonas 2016. Ladi Jeri, Miss Amazonas 2015 queen, along with Carlos Vela, general producer of the event, officially handing over the crown to Lia Torres, the new and dazzling trans beauty from Iquitos.

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