It goes without saying that Miss Tiffany title is a dream come true for many transgender women. Thanks are due to the organisers, Miss Tiffany Pattaya, for their tireless efforts in making transgenders a relevant part of contemporary Thai society.

Once a year, the pageant allows small screen viewers a glimpse into the world of transgenders. The two hours of airtime on a national television channel is an immensely valuable opportunity to foster an understanding, still lacking in our country, as witnessed by the violent shut down of Chiang Mai Gay Pride.

Beauty contests for non-trans women are a dime a dozen. Who remembers the name of last year's Miss Thailand? Most people won't likely remember the name of this year's Miss Tiffany either, but this pageant is one that can potentially change the lives of tens if not hundreds of thousands - not just for those on the stage.

Unfortunately, that potential is not to be fully realised. Every year I sit in front of the telly in the hope that it will break from the tired formula copied from other contests. For starters, the show could include a section to showcase transgenders in less than glamorous occupations, showing the transgender world as it really is. But this is yet to happen, and a great opportunity is missed year in and year out.

In the end, the show ends up being little more than a homage to superficial beauty - an attribute that is not universally shared by all transgenders. And even the most beautiful TG's, once off stage, will continue to be discriminated against - in Pattaya and elsewhere in the country. Glossing over the reality of transgender life, the contest thus risks giving the wrong impression that all is well for Thai transgenders.

The organisers would do well to think outside the box. For example, the interviews and talk shows to which winners go after the contest often turn out to be very illuminating about family rejection and acceptance, social prejudices and health issues. So why not make that a part of the contest? If talk show hosts can make these topics work within the infotainment context, so can the organiser. The event will be all the richer for it, and so will the world of Thai transgenders.