Meet Turkey's transgender beauty queens: First competition of its kind held in Istanbul against backdrop of prejudice and violence



First ever Turkish transgender beauty contest held in Istanbul

Although homosexuality is legal, there is huge prejudice in Turkey

Since 2002, 70 transgender people have been killed in the country



LGBT community face daily discrimination and often violence



Beauty pageant part of week of events being held in protest of increased violence towards transgender sex workers



The first ever transgender beauty contest has been staged in Turkey, with photos of the landmark event shining a light into the vibrant world of colourful outfits, masses of hairspray - and a whole heap of bravery.



Simply holding the contest was a bold move given that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) people in the country face continual legal challenges and discrimination, despite the fact homosexuality is legal.



The pageant formed part of a week-long celebration of LGBT events held against a background of violence towards transgender sex workers.

Anna Narin, winner of 'Best dressed' in the transgender beauty contest revels in the adulation of the crowd



The contestants prepare backstage for the contest, which is the first of its kind to be held in Turkey

[cThe winner of the transgender beauty contest, Yanki Bayramoglu (pictured centre) is congratulated



Advocacy group LGBT Turkey say 70 transgender people have been killed in the country since 2002.



According to a 2011 report by Amnesty International, hate crimes in Turkey towards gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people - including violent attacks and murders - are common but largely ignored by the authorities.

But competitors in the pageant were determined to take a stand - and make the most out of the day.



Behind the scenes competitors helped their rivals with hair styling, make up and arranging the costumes

One of the 13 contestants is helped with her hairpiece ahead of her appearance on the stage



Taking part in the contest was an act of bravery as transgender people are often persecuted in Turkey

Photographer Sedat Suna was there to capture the friendly yet competitive atmosphere behind the scenes as well as the on-stage performances.

Backstage, contestants helped their rivals with hair styling, make-up and arranging the costumes to ensure everyone looked their best. Watched by a crowd of around 500, a jury of eight transgender people were responsible for awarding points to the 13 competitors who appeared first in bikinis and later in a full dress show and Yanki Bayramoglu finally took the crown.



Yanki Bayramoglu takes to the catwalk (left) and later reacts with joy to her win (right)

A dancer performs in traditional costume for the audience who are supporting the LGBT week in Turkey

A contestant prepares to meet the crowd of 500 who gathered in Istanbul to watch the contest



A contestant is silhouetted in the doorway of a changing room, captured by photographer Sedat Suna

