THE pageant was a community favourite back in the 80s but by the late 90s, Miss Mavis died out and is making its return on Saturday in Khomasdal in Windhoek.
Miss Mavis is a pageant that is solely aimed at showing the beauty of trans women and at the same time raise awareness for LGBTI people in Namibia as well as raise funds to create opportunities for unemployed youths.
“The pageant works closely with the We Care Trust which was established to raise money to build a school that will empower unemployed youths with skills like cooking, hairdressing, welding, etc. This is all in an effort to keep them off the streets,” pageant organiser Vincent Lottering told The Namibian.
“Back in the day, and until today, we face a lot of discrimination as LGBTI people. We want to sensitise people on this as many people still don’t understand what it means to be LGBTI,” Lottering said.
On the qualities that pageant judges will be looking for, Lottering said: “We’re looking for stage appearance, personality and intelligence.” The winner will not only walk away with the title and prizes but will also be tasked with working with the We Care Trust and reaching out to impoverished communities across Namibia.
The return of the pageant is receiving positive feedback, Lottering said. “The response we’re getting for having the pageant back on track has been good, especially from sponsors.”
One of the finalists, 20-year-old Brihanna Vries from Windhoek, was excited to talk about her impending participation in the pageant with a cause. “It was always my dream to take part in a beauty contest. I decided to take part in Miss Mavis as it will help me in starting a modelling career in the future,” she said.
Vries will join 15 other finalists from across the country to vie for the Miss Mavis 2016 crown. Tickets for the event will be on sale at the venue at the Khomas Grove Mall in Khomasdal (right next to the mall entrance). Normal tickets will go for N$100 while VIP tickets will cost N$250.
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