Pattaya, THAILAND, . 25th July, 2099. Check first at Tiffany's.A stage full of long-legged beauties in gowns and glamorous make-up É just another of Thailand's myriad beauty pageants? Look again. They're all men. Miss Tiffany's Universe is Asia's most famous beauty contest for ladyboys ('katoeys'' in local parlance). The winner will get a car, cash and a chance to join the Tiffany Show, the world's longest-running all-transvestite revue, which plays to packed houses nightly in Pattaya, Thailand's seaside sin capital. The Tiffany Show celebrates its 30th birthday this year and is looki

• Contributor: ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo
• Image ID: CMMEJ3
• File size: 28.7 MB (1.2 MB Compressed download)
• Releases: Model - no | Property - no
• Dimensions: 3914 x 2559 px | 33.1 x 21.7 cm | 13 x 8.5 inches | 300dpi
• Date taken: 25 July 2099
• Photographer: ZUMA Press

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July 25, 2099 - Pattaya, THAILAND - Check first at TiffanyÕs.A stage full of long-legged beauties in gowns and glamorous make-up É just another of ThailandÕs myriad beauty pageants? Look again. TheyÕre all men. Miss TiffanyÕs Universe is AsiaÕs most famous beauty contest for ladyboys (Ã’katoeysÕÕ in local parlance). The winner will get a car, cash and a chance to join the Tiffany Show, the worldÕs longest-running all-transvestite revue, which plays to packed houses nightly in Pattaya, ThailandÕs seaside sin capital. The Tiffany Show celebrates its 30th birthday this year and is looking to expand into China soon, while its new young manager is on a mission to show the world that the Ã’third sexÕÕ are far more than mere freaks in frocks. Jason Gagliardi and Stephen Shaver go backstage for an unfettered view of ThailandÕs sweetest transvestites, and find themselves in a world of tantrums, tiaras and scotch-tape...Transexuals and transvestites, or ''katoeys'' in local parlance, compete at the Miss Tiffany's Universe 2004 pageant, Asia's longest-running cabaret. Thailand is famous for producing the world's most beautiful and convincing ladyboys. It has been estimated by researchers there are more than 300, 000 transvestites and transexuals in Thailand, most of them living and working openly as women. Though Katoeys hvae a reputation, especially amongst European tourists of working in beer bars or prostitution, many work in respectable businesses and have high-ranking positions. Contestants in the Miss Tiffany's Universe pageant are all university graduates or are currently enrolled. (Credit Image: © Stephen Shaver/ZUMAPRESS.com)