Aside from being a member of LEAD-TI, an NGO, the multifaceted personality had participated in other social activities with her friends, such as feeding at least 50 people every day during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Riyana Suree of Kallukuzhi District has come a long way. She wears numerous hats, including that of a make-up artist. She learned to do make-up during Bharatanatyam performances and began modelling less than two years ago, and she was just crowned the first runner-up at the Koothandavar temple festival in Vilupuram’s beauty contest.
The Master’s degree holder says, “After I got involved in social work, I gained self-confidence. I went for classes to understand how to do ramp walk, to take care of the skin, to look good, etc.”
Besides being part of LEAD-TI, an NGO, the versatile personality along with her friends had involved in other social activities like feeding at least 50 people daily during the COVID-19 lockdown. Riyana also credits her family for her success.
“My family has supported me throughout…since the time I told them that I am a transwoman as a 17-year-old. I ask my mother and sister-in-law suggestions on what I should wear, even before the pageant happened. I would be nothing without their encouragement. They encouraged me to try out this new path, and that gave me the courage to go for photo shoots and get my portfolio made,” she says.
Riyana, who has her eyes set on Miss Transqueen India next, hopes more transwomen like her would follow their passion.