She walks with grace, dreams with courage, and speaks with the quiet strength of someone who has fought to live her truth. Bishesh Huirem is not just a beauty queen, a celebrated model, and an accomplished actress, she is a symbol of resilience and elegance for India’s transgender community. Hailing from the culturally rich region of Manipur, Bishesh was drawn to the world of pageantry and performance from a young age, embracing the glamour of the stage while holding fast to her roots and humility. In 2016, she made history as the first Indian transgender woman to represent the country at the Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand, dazzling audiences not only with her beauty, but with her warmth, poise, and unwavering spirit.
Her path, however, was not without challenges. Behind the glittering gowns and spotlight was a young woman navigating the deep complexities of identity, tradition, and acceptance, both in her family and in Indian society. Through it all, Bishesh has remained grounded in her belief that being transgender is not a limitation, but a divine difference, a "true gender," as she puts it. Whether she’s walking a runway, gracing the silver screen, or simply wearing her favorite white tee and denim shorts, Bishesh radiates authenticity. Her voice carries a message of hope to countless transgender girls: embrace who you are, fight for your dreams, and never let anyone dim your inner light. It is with admiration and heartfelt joy that I introduce my interview with this remarkable Meitei Nupi, a complete Manipuri woman and a luminous soul.
Monika: Today, I have the great pleasure and honor of interviewing Bishesh Huirem, an accomplished Indian model, beauty pageant queen, and actress. Bishesh, it’s truly wonderful to meet you. You look absolutely stunning today!
Bishesh: Hello Monika! Thank you so much for the lovely compliment and for giving me the opportunity to share my story with the readers of your blog.
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| Be positive in spite of the fact that we are born differently and feel proud of our differences.TG means true gender. |
Monika: For those who are just getting to know you, how would you describe yourself in a few words?
Bishesh: I am Bishesh Huirem. I am a transgender woman who follows her dream, while remaining simple, frank, and enthusiastic. I believe in being true to myself and embracing every moment of life with positivity. My identity is not just something I carry, it's something I celebrate. I strive to be a source of inspiration for others who may be walking a similar path.
Monika: Your presence on stage is so captivating. Could you tell us how your journey into the world of modeling and beauty pageants began?
Bishesh: At a very young age, I was very fond of beauty pageants. I followed my dream, which resulted in winning five times in a row. Beauty pageants and modeling go hand in hand. Because of my achievements, I got a chance to walk as a model on the catwalk. From the very beginning, I was drawn to the elegance and expression that the world of fashion offered. Each pageant taught me discipline, self-love, and the art of presentation. Modeling gave me a voice before I had the chance to speak.
Monika: Fashion is such a powerful form of expression. Do you have a favorite designer whose work speaks to you the most?
Bishesh: I do not have a particular designer that I follow. I want to taste the works of every fashion designer. Each designer tells a different story through fabric, texture, and imagination. I like exploring diverse aesthetics, whether traditional or contemporary. Fashion, to me, is a playground of endless creativity.
Monika: When you’re not modeling, what kind of clothes do you feel most comfortable wearing in your daily life? Do you have favorite styles or colors?
Bishesh: I wear casual outfits, a white T-shirt and short jeans. Simple clothing allows me to relax and be myself without the pressure of performance. White gives me peace, and denim brings confidence. My casual style reflects my grounded personality when I’m off the runway.
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| MIQ means a lot to me. My hardship is not taken as a sacrifice but learning experience. I love it. |
Monika: You have such a strong screen presence. Have you ever considered acting professionally, or perhaps dreamed about being in films?
Bishesh: Being a trans daughter of an actor, I used to love acting in front of the mirror when I was a child. Ha ha ha! I first started my acting career at Sumang Leela (a unique indigenous Manipuri Theatre), and now I am a movie actress too. Acting came naturally to me, it was like speaking a language I had known all along. Theatre taught me how to connect emotionally with people. I feel grateful that my passion has turned into a profession I love deeply.
Monika: In 2016, you represented India at the Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand, a global stage for transgender beauty and talent. What stands out in your memory from that extraordinary experience?
Bishesh: It was a lovely experience because I had a chance to know and learn many things within a short period of time at one place (Love Tiffany's Theatre) in Pattaya City, Thailand. It felt like stepping into a dream where cultures, stories, and identities all came together in one vibrant celebration. I learned so much about resilience, grace, and self-expression. The event gave me lifelong memories and a sense of belonging beyond borders.
Monika: Pageants can be intense, with participants from all over the world competing for one crown. What was the atmosphere like among the contestants? Was it competitive or more of a sisterhood?
Bishesh: You will never believe how much we enjoyed ourselves by caring, sharing, and supporting one another. We are still keeping in touch, and we have a social media group (MIQ 2016) where we share everyday life till today. It was a great experience for me. I love it! Despite the competition, there was no jealousy, only kindness and camaraderie. We cheered each other on and built a bond that still endures. Those girls are not just fellow contestants, they are friends and sisters.
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| If you give respect, you will get respect. |
Monika: Your courage in embracing your true self is truly inspiring. Could you tell us when you began your transition and how the journey unfolded emotionally and personally?
Bishesh: It was the day when I realized myself I would never hide my gender identity. Yes, it is a tremendously difficult process to keep a balance between my family's expectations and my choice. It takes inner strength to choose authenticity over fear. The emotional struggle was intense, but I never gave up on my truth. Today, I walk with pride because I chose to live as the woman I always knew I was.
Monika: India is home to a number of trailblazing transgender women who’ve made history in various fields. Are there any particular individuals from the Indian transgender community whom you look up to or deeply respect?
Bishesh: I respect each and every individual's hardship and achievements. Everyone’s journey is different, and every step forward deserves admiration. Whether they work in activism, the arts, or everyday life, they are all warriors in their own right. I believe respect should never be limited to fame but given to anyone living authentically and courageously.
Monika: How would you describe the current social status of transgender women in India? Has there been meaningful progress in recent years?
Bishesh: Compared to the general population, transgender people are still lagging behind in Indian society. Even though the Indian government recognized us as the third gender, we still have no welfare program that is implemented to uplift our status. But, let's see! We still face discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare. Legal recognition is a step forward, but it’s not enough without practical, daily support. I remain hopeful that awareness and advocacy will bring deeper change soon.
Monika: Coming out can be a life-altering experience, often marked by both pain and liberation. What was the most difficult part of your coming out journey?
Bishesh: None of our parents is happy when their child is born as a son and acts as the opposite sex. If I have to mention the hardest one, it was to convince my family about my gender and sexuality. It was a long process filled with misunderstandings, fear, and emotional distance. I had to educate my family slowly, with patience and love. Eventually, they began to understand and see my happiness as something worth supporting.
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| Fixing myself to be a complete wife of my love one and a good mother for all. |
Monika: The transgender community often stands under the broader LGBTQ umbrella. Do you feel that transgender voices are heard and that the community’s unique struggles are addressed within that coalition?
Bishesh: The transgender group is a part of the LGBTQ community. We fight for our cause under the same roof. We have a common cause like acceptance, social inclusion, etc. So, I am being positive regarding the promotion of our own cause within the LGBTQ group. However, it's important to ensure that trans-specific issues don't get overshadowed. We have different needs when it comes to healthcare, legal rights, and visibility. Unity is powerful, but so is acknowledging the diversity within our rainbow.
Monika: Love can be a powerful guiding force in life. What role does love play in your personal and professional journey?
Bishesh: Wow! To me, LOVE gives hope. With that hope, I believe it gives me the strength to push my best talents forward. Love has been my anchor in moments of self-doubt. It motivates me to rise above challenges and stay grounded in compassion. Whether it’s love from family, friends, or within myself, it fuels everything I do.
Monika: Many transgender women are now sharing their stories through memoirs and autobiographies. Have you ever considered writing a book about your own life?
Bishesh: To be very frank, I have never thought of writing my memories. But, my heart says I can influence people with my countable number of activities and dedications. Sometimes I wonder how my story might inspire someone who's struggling to accept themselves. I believe storytelling is powerful, even if shared through smaller platforms. Maybe one day I’ll sit down and write a book that reflects not only my battles but my victories too.
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| I have the confidence that I am a woman, eventually became a woman. |
Bishesh: Yes, I signed for a movie based on the real story of a transgender woman. Besides, I hunt on many projects for the welfare and promotion of all. This role is deeply meaningful to me, as it reflects our shared experiences and truth. I am also involved in advocacy efforts that aim to uplift the transgender community. Each project I take on is a step toward visibility and change.
Monika: Many young transgender women around the world are struggling with gender dysphoria and a lack of acceptance. What advice would you offer them as someone who has walked that path and found strength?
Bishesh: To all my transgender sisters who are struggling with gender dysphoria, I recommend accepting the fact that "we are born in this way and it is not possible to change." So, better convince your family and seek the acceptance of society through your good activities.
And the final message from me: "We are not judging our physical gender but we are accepting what God has purposed us to live a meaningful life." To make us special! Each of us is here for a reason, and living truthfully is the most powerful thing we can do. Don’t let the world’s misunderstanding of you stop you from blossoming. Your authenticity can move mountains, believe in that.
Monika: My pen friend Gina Grahame once wrote that we should never limit our potential based on how we were born or what we see other transgender people doing. She said our dreams don’t end at the operating table, that’s where they begin. Would you say this resonates with your journey?
Bishesh: I appreciate what she said. To me, we need to be flexible to adapt to the soil where we live. But, for some reason, we need to fight against stereotypes until we achieve our dream. Her message is powerful and deeply true. Surgery or transition is just one step in a much bigger story of self-realization. Our dreams deserve to grow far beyond the limits that society tries to impose on us.
Monika: Bishesh, this has been such a meaningful and inspiring conversation. Thank you for sharing your voice and your heart with us.
Bishesh: Thank you, Monika, for this wonderful opportunity! It’s always a joy to speak from the soul and connect through shared truths. I hope my story helps someone feel less alone in their journey. Let’s continue to build a world where we all shine in our own ways.
All the photos: courtesy of Bishesh Huirem.
© 2017 - Monika Kowalska
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