Miss Sahhara

Last updated

Miss saHHara
Super Sireyna Worldwide.jpg
Miss saHHara modeling in London
Born27 August (2024-08-27)
NationalityBritish
Occupation(s)Singer/songwriter, fashion model, beauty queen, Founder of Transvalid organisation,
President of Miss Trans Global
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Title
Website misssahhara.com

Miss Sahhara (stylized as Miss saHHara) [lower-alpha 1] [2] is a British Nigerian singer, model, beauty queen and human rights advocate. [3] [4]

Contents

With her 2011 participation in Miss International Queen, a beauty pageant in Pattaya for transgender women, Miss Sahhara became the first trans woman from Nigeria to come out in the international press. [5] [6] She subsequently founded a global transgender awareness news curation organisation called TransValid. [7] [8]

In 2014, she became the first black transgender woman to win an international beauty pageant when she was crowned Super Sireyna Worldwide 2014 on Eat Bulaga!, Philippines longest noontime show. [9] [10] [11]

Biography

Miss Sahhara grew up in a small village in northern Nigeria. Her grandmother, who raised her while her mother was away at university, supported her in expressing her gender identity, but her neighbors and other family members were less supportive. As a teenager who wanted to wear makeup, dresses, and high heels, she was bullied at home and in public for her gender expression, suffering physical and sexual assault, harassment, and death threats. Her uncles beat her, and her church told her she was possessed by evil spirits. [7] [12] [13] [14]

After two suicide attempts as a teenager, and being imprisoned for her gender presentation in January of 2004, Miss Sahhara resolved to either leave Nigeria or succeed in completing suicide. Later in 2004, she emigrated to London, where she was able to meet other transgender women, access gender-affirming care, and live openly as a woman. [12] [14] [15] [16] [17]

Miss Sahhara graduated with a Master's degree in digital media from London Metropolitan University in 2011. [18]

Pageants and modeling

Miss Sahhara has participated in a number of pageants in the UK and abroad, representing her birth country of Nigeria to draw attention to the plight of the African LGBT community. [19] [20] She is also the founder and executive producer of transgender advocacy pageants Queen of Nations and Miss Trans Global. [21]

TitleYearPlacementCountrySource
Super Sireyna Worldwide 2014Winner Philippines [22] [23] [24]
Miss International Queen 20111st Runner-up Thailand [25] [26] [27]
Andrew Logan's Alternative Miss World2009United Kingdom [28]

Miss Sahhara has appeared on the covers of Time Out Magazine, transgender magazines Mask and TransLiving, [29] [30] and modeled for Ziad Ghanem on the London Fashion Week catwalk, [31] [32] [33] [34] [ original research? ] as well as performing at Madam Jojo's Kitsch Cabaret in Soho before its 2014 closure. [35] [36] [37]

Charity and advocacy

Miss Sahhara has been a vocal critic of the 2014 Nigerian Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which imposes prison terms of up to 14 years on LGBT Nigerians. [38] [39]

In 2014, Miss Sahhara founded TransValid, a global awareness organization for the transgender community. [40] Her activities with TransValid have included a 2015 short film, The Deadly Price of Transphobia in Brazil , [41] and a 2016 campaign titled 'I am Trans and I have the Right to Life' . [42] [43] [44]

Miss Sahhara has discussed transgender rights on Sky Living's "Lady Boys", [45] Eat Bulaga!'s "Super Sireyna Worldwide", [22] BBC's "In Her Shoes: #BBCIdentity", [2] and a Tunay Na Buhay interview with Rhea Santos. [46]

Notes

  1. ↑ Miss Sahhara does not use her legal name online for safety reasons; some sources claim that it is "Iris Henson" or "Clifford Oche", but she has denied both. [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ice Seguerra</span> Filipino actor, singer, director, and Chairman of the National Youth Commission

Ice Yamson Seguerra is a Filipino actor, singer-songwriter, director and guitarist. Initially coming out as a lesbian in 2007, Seguerra also came out as a transgender man in 2014.

<i>Sang Linggo nAPO Sila</i> Philippine noontime variety show

'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila(They Are Now On All Week) is a Philippine daily noon-time variety show of ABS-CBN that aired from February 4, 1995, to November 28, 1998, replacing Eat Bulaga! and replaced by Magandang Tanghali Bayan. It was hosted by the APO Hiking Society. Some of the original co-hosts included Kris Aquino, Bing Loyzaga, Michelle van Eimeren, Agot Isidro, Lara Melissa de Leon, Amy Perez, John Estrada, Rannie Raymundo and Roderick Paulate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aicelle Santos</span> Filipino musician

Aicelle Anne Coronel Santos-Zambrano is a Filipino singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress who first emerged in the Philippine music scene as a contestant in Star in a Million. She has been known as the "First Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar", when she achieved eight straight wins in GMA Network's Pinoy Pop Superstar, She is an International Stage Diva who played Gigi in Miss Saigon, "Eat Bulaga's Traffic Diva", and known as the one and only "Asia's Soul Flair Songstress".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patricia Fernandez (actress)</span> Filipino model, actress and television presenter

Patricia Isabel "Pat" Medina Fernandez-Garcia is a Filipino actress, tv host, model and beauty pageant titleholder. She was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International at the Araneta Coliseum on March 8, 2008 in Quezon City.

Miss Earth Nigeria is an annual national beauty pageant in Nigeria to select its representative to the international Miss Earth pageant. The pageant, with the theme "Beauties for a Cause" is organized by AMC Productions, and began sending representatives to Miss Earth a year after the international pageant was established in 2001. Nigeria has achieved six placements in Miss Earth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss International Queen</span> Beauty pageant for transgender women

Miss International Queen is the world's biggest beauty pageant for transgender women. The pageant was conceived in 2004 and named the largest and most prestigious by CNN original American documentary television series This Is Life with Lisa Ling aired on 26 November 2017.

Valerie Clacio Weigmann is a Filipino-German actress, tv host, fashion model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss World Philippines 2014. She represented the Philippines at the Miss World 2014 pageant held in London, England and finished as a Top 25 semifinalist.

Trixie Maristela is a Filipina actress, model, beauty queen titleholder as well as a European Languages graduate major in Spanish minor in French languages from the University of the Philippines. Now based in Melbourne, Australia. She finished her master's degree in Professional Accounting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kylie Verzosa</span> Filipino actress, model, and beauty queen, Miss International 2016 winner (born 1992)

Kylie Fausto Verzosa is a Filipino actress, model, presenter, and beauty queen who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2016 and Miss International 2016. She is the sixth Filipina to win the Miss International crown.

Super Sireyna Worldwide 2018 was the 2nd Super Sireyna Worldwide pageant, held on 19 May 2018. The event was held at Broadway Centrum, Manila, Philippines. Miss Sahhara of Nigeria crowned her successor Nicole Guevarra Flores of Philippines at the end of the event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Sireyna Worldwide 2014</span>

Super Sireyna Worldwide 2014 was the first Super Sireyna Worldwide pageant, held on 19 July 2014. The event was held at Broadway Centrum, Manila, Philippines. Miss Sahhara of Nigeria crowned as the pageant's first winner at the end of the event

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rabiya Mateo</span> Filipino beauty queen, model, actress and host

Rabiya Occeña Mateo is a Filipino model, host, actress, entrepreneur and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020. She represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant and finished as a top 21 semifinalist.

<i>Pakboys Takusa</i> Philippine comedy film

Pakboys Takusa is a 2020 Philippine comedy film produced by Viva Films starring Janno Gibbs, Dennis Padilla, Andrew E., and Jerald Napoles. Directed by Al Tantay. It is one of the official entries of the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film was premiered on December 25, 2020.

Miss International Queen 2022, the 16th Miss International Queen pageant was held on 25 June 2022 at Pattaya, Chonburi province in Thailand. Valentina Fluchaire of Mexico crowned Fuschia Anne Ravena of the Philippines as her successor at the end of the event. This is the third time that the Philippines claimed the title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kataluna Enriquez</span> American beauty queen

Kataluna Patricia Enriquez is an American beauty pageant titleholder. In March 2021, she won the Miss Silver State USA pageant. On June 27, 2021, she was crowned Miss Nevada USA. With her wins, she became the first openly transgender woman to earn the titles and to become qualified to compete in the Miss USA pageant. She is also the owner of a clothing line, Kataluna Kouture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss Trans Global</span> Annual international pageant competition

Miss Trans Global is an annual international pageant for transgender women. According to itself, it is the biggest international advocacy pageant for transgender women. The event broadcasts live on multiple social networking websites from London, England. It has gained traction for transgender advocacy, raising awareness about queer culture and LGBT concerns, particularly in countries where transphobia and homophobia are prevalent. The pageant presents itself as a safe space for transgender women to share their lived experiences through speeches, talent shows, and art.

Maki Yurong Gingoyon is a Filipino transgender model, beauty queen, transgender activist, and businesswoman. She is the co-founder and chief operating officer of My Transgender Date.

Solange Dekker is a Dutch model, hairdresser and beauty queen who won the title of Miss International Queen 2023 held on Saturday June 24, 2023 at Tiffany's Show in Pattaya Chonburi, Thailand. She is the first contestant from the Netherlands to win the title.

Veso Golden Oke is a Nigerian trans rights activist, model, make-up artist and hairstylist. In 2019, she became the first openly transgender woman to compete in a beauty pageant in Africa.

References

  1. ↑ "DISCLAIMER | Miss saHHara putting the record straight". www.misssahhara.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  2. 1 2 "Trans woman: 'I left Nigeria to save my life'". BBC News. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  3. ↑ "Meet Nigerian Model Who Was Once Male". pulse.ng. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  4. ↑ Dachen, Isaac (9 July 2014). "Big Dreams: Miss Sahhara To Represent Nigeria At World Transgender Pageant". pulse.ng. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  5. ↑ "Scars of prejudice underlie glamour of transgender pageant". The Sydney Morning Herald. 7 November 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  6. ↑ "#7 – The Story of Nigeria's First Transgender Woman". Africa.com. Archived from the original on 11 June 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  7. 1 2 Mohan, Megha (16 March 2017). "Why transgender Africans turned against a famous feminist". BBC News. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  8. ↑ "Miss saHHara is a singer/songwriter, fashion model, beauty queen, and a human rights advocate". transvalid.org. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  9. ↑ News, G. M. A. (25 July 2014). "Super Sireyna: More heart than beauty". GMA News Online. Retrieved 29 March 2024.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  10. ↑ "Nigerian Trans woman, Ms Sahhara, wins Ms Super Sireyna Worldwide: Eat your heart out Transphobic Nigeria!". YEMMYnisting. 3 August 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  11. ↑ News, G. M. A. (1 August 2014). "Sahhara's journey". GMA News Online. Retrieved 29 March 2024.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. 1 2 Craggs, Charlie (19 October 2017). To My Trans Sisters. Jessica Kingsley. pp. 43–49. ISBN   9781784506681 . Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  13. ↑ Mordi, Melissa (27 March 2019). "Trans women speak on Western influence and being transgender in Nigeria". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  14. 1 2 Norris, Sian (30 April 2018). "Young, trans Nigerians: 'people need to see that we exist'". openDemocracy. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  15. ↑ Camminga, B; Marnell, John (16 June 2022). Queer and Trans African Mobilities: Migration, Asylum and Diaspora. Bloomsbury. p. 153. ISBN   978-0755639014 . Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  16. ↑ "From attempting suicide in Nigeria to Miss Transsexual final". Kuwait Times. AFP. 19 September 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  17. ↑ "Sahhara's journey". GMA News Online. August 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  18. ↑ Miss saHHara (13 December 2011), My Graduation Experience: Miss saHHara , retrieved 5 May 2016
  19. ↑ Dachen, Isaac (9 July 2014). "Big Dreams: Miss Sahhara To Represent Nigeria At World Transgender Pageant". pulse.ng. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  20. ↑ "Nigerian Representative at Transgender Pageant in the Philippines". kenyabuzz.com. 9 July 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  21. ↑ "First Miss Trans Global is Pinay". Daily Tribune . Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  22. 1 2 "Super Sireyna: More heart than beauty". GMA News Online. 25 July 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  23. ↑ "Eat Bulaga #SSWorldwide: Miss Nigeria Wins Super Sireyna Worldwide". TDSTV. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  24. ↑ "Ms. Nigeria, wagi bilang unang Super Sireyna Worldwide ng 'Eat Bulaga!'". GMA News Online. 19 July 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  25. ↑ "MIQ Official Website". Miss International Queen. 4 November 2011. Archived from the original on 18 June 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  26. ↑ "Stunning Miss "Sammy" Thai Ladyboy Wins Pattaya Miss International Queen 2011". Pattaya Daily News. Archived from the original on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  27. ↑ Pattaya, Lindsay Murdoch (8 November 2011). "Stars replace scars in pageant fit for queens". The Age. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  28. ↑ "2009". Alternative Miss World. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  29. ↑ "Nigerian TransGender Miss Sahhara poses nude for Mask Magazine". The NashVibes. 20 October 2014. Archived from the original on 13 October 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  30. ↑ "Nigerian transgender Ms Sahhara covers new issue of Transliving". #ANOTHERGIST. 20 December 2014. Archived from the original on 8 August 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  31. ↑ "London Fashion Week AW11 Fashion Designer Ziad Ghanem". retoxmagazine.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  32. ↑ "Ziad Ghanem Autumn/Winter 2011–12 Ready-To-Wear". Vogue UK. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  33. ↑ "Ziad Ghanem Autumn/Winter 2010–11 Ready-To-Wear". Vogue UK. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  34. ↑ "Ziad Ghanem Spring/Summer 2012 Ready-To-Wear". Vogue UK. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  35. ↑ "Madame Jojo's Kitsch Cabaret The Drury Club London | DesignMyNight". designmynight.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  36. ↑ London, The Kolberg Partnership. "Kitsch Cabaret, Madame Jojo's, 8–10 Brewer Street, London, W1F 0SE. Tel 020 7734 3040. – Theatre Event in London". AllinLondon. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  37. ↑ Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (24 November 2014). "Madame Jojo's, legendary Soho nightclub, forced to close". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  38. ↑ ""Nigerians are so Stupid" – Nigerian Transgender Iris Sahhara Henson reacts to Same Sex Bill". BellaNaija. 14 January 2014. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  39. ↑ "Anti-Gay Law: Nigerian Transgender Miss SaHHara Blasts Nigeria". pulse.ng. 15 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  40. ↑ "Mission". transvalid.org. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  41. ↑ "Ong londrina faz documentário sobre transfobia no Brasil". emneon.com.br. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  42. ↑ "CAMPAIGN: 'I AM TRANS AND I HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIFE'". transvalid.org. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  43. ↑ "Nigerian transgender, Ms Sahhara releases photos to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility". CityPeople Magazine Nigeria. 31 March 2016. Archived from the original on 6 April 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  44. ↑ "Nigerian Transgender, Ms Sahhara, Shares New Sexy Photos To Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility". INFORMATION NIGERIA. Archived from the original on 11 June 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  45. ↑ "LADYBOYS". The Sydney Morning Herald. 9 January 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  46. ↑ "Tragic life of Super Sireyna winner Miss Sahhara depicted on Tunay na Buhay". pep.ph. 28 July 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.