Dipanjali Chhetri has made history by becoming the first transwoman to make it to Top 50 at LIVA Miss Diva 2021. The 24-year-old stunning beauty became a part of the pageant as the organization took progressive steps to allow transgenders to compete at the national competition. Chhetri wishes to showcase her entire LGBTQ+ community on an international platform.
Dipanjali hails from Jaldhaka Village in Kalimpong district, West Bengal. She found it really hard to explain her struggle to her family initially. It was all the more difficult for her to speak to her mom and dad, who were parents to five daughters and one son Sarwan Chhetri (now Dipanjali Chhetri).
On her selection, Dipanjali exclaimed, "I am proud that I grabbed this opportunity to become the first trans woman to participate in one of the most recognized beauty queen creator platforms. It's not just a stage for me to showcase my beauty and talent, but this opening has enabled me an opportunity to prove who I really am - A woman.”
“It's a great moment of pride for all those trans women who aspire to be beauty queens, models and showcase their true selves. It was possible only because of this historic decision of inclusivity by LIVA Miss Diva 2021, counting trans women like any other women. So now that the door is open, I wish many more women from my community will participate without hesitation each year”, she added.
After struggling for years with her family, Chhetri ferried to Delhi to redefine her social identity and make a future for herself. Dipanjali reached out to Mitra Trust, an organization run by Rudrani Chhetri for transgender people and through their support, she finally managed to get her surgery and build a career for herself.
Dipanjali also talked about being accepted to the national competition as she stated, "The pageant accepting me for who I am is the best gift I could ask for. I promise to give my best performance and make my country proud. As society keeps giving me a new name every single day, I want to make sure that they remember my name - Dipanjali Chhetri, even after my participation at LIVA Miss Diva 2021."
Owing to the social stigma surrounding gender identity, Dipanjali has had a difficult journey with her fair share of challenges but she has overcome all her problems with fierce determination and hard work. She will definitely be a strong contender for the crown this year.