Honey Montana has taken out the title of Miss Gay Australia 2016 in a glittering pageant held at The Substation on Saturday night.
The 32-year-old drag queen performer from St Kilda sashayed away with the prestigious crown after impressing judges at the Midsumma Festival beauty pageant at Newport.
The pageant is Australia’s largest for female impersonators and transgender women.
MISS GAY AUSTRALIA 2016, HONEY MONTANA
Ms Montana, a former professional ballerina and singer, also won best in talent for her impersonation of pop diva Madonna.
She said she was excited to be able to show drag as “an acceptable, normal expression of one’s identity”.
“When I was a child, I used to sneak into my mother’s bedroom to raid her make-up case, wrap a tea towel around my head and bop to British pop group Mel and Kim,” she said.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PICTURES
“I never expected to win Miss Gay Australia 2016. I’ve come so far, and want to encourage other young people to express who they are.”
Ms Montana said anyone who encounters obstacles can approach organisations, such as Diverse Voices, her chosen charity.
Andrea Jaca Smith, a 35-year-old Philippine-born transgender make-up artist, choreographer and cabaret showgirl from Springvale, was crowned Miss Transsexual Australia 2016.
Ms Smith said the $15,000 prize money will enable her complete transition to “a real woman” through gender reassignment surgery in Thailand.
Ms Smith also outshone seven other contestants to pick up the titles of best in Victorian secrets wear (swimwear) and best in evening gown.
