She Faced Bullying, Bias, And Doubt—Now This Trans Woman Is Miss Universe Sikkim!

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When Jackielynn Pradhan stood on stage in Gangtok as the newly crowned Miss Universe Sikkim 2025, it was the beginning of a new chapter for representation and recognition. As the first transgender woman to win this prestigious title, her victory is a seismic moment not only for the LGBTQ+ community in Sikkim but for the cultural landscape of Indian pageantry at large.

For a long time, people like Jackielynn Pradhan were told they didn't fit the frame. Not elegant enough. Not woman enough. On Sunday night, standing centre stage in full light and applause, Jackielynn didn't just fit the frame, she shattered it and built a new one.

At 21, the transgender woman from Jorethang made history as the first to win the Miss Universe Sikkim title. Here is a story about being seen, truly seen for who you are, in a world that's conditioned to judge and not to look

Held against the backdrop of Sikkim's Golden Jubilee of Statehood, the event was a dazzling blend of tradition, artistry, and aspiration. But at its heart was something deeper: a long-overdue shift in who gets to be celebrated, and why.

Holding Onto Hope When the World Looks Away

Jackielynn's journey to the crown wasn't smooth. A resident of Jorethang, she grew up facing bullying and exclusion that took a toll on her education and self-esteem. But even in those difficult moments, she held on to something powerful.

"But I never gave up. My parents, L.M. Pradhan and Pricella Gurung, always supported me. I also held on to a ray of hope. I would tell myself that I would become something in life," she says.

That belief, fuelled by years of preparation and self-affirmation, finally found its moment when she outshone 45 other contestants. "This has been my dream for the past nine years. Miss Sikkim has turned into reality, and I am so proud of myself and my community (LGBTQ+)," Jackielynn told The Telegraph.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/miss_sikkim_official/

A Pageant That Celebrated More Than Just Beauty

The event, organised by POSITUDE (Positive Attitude) and led by Bijay Subba, was a celebration of Sikkim's cultural identity and evolving social fabric.

The Statehood Round was a standout, with contestants paying tribute to Sikkim's heritage in traditional attire. An audio-visual presentation brought their personal journeys to life, followed by a glamorous cocktail round that allowed each finalist to command the spotlight with confidence and individuality.

Notable personalities like Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia and Gajanand Agarwal attended as special guests, underscoring the growing significance of the event. Local talents Sayog Pradhan and Ellie Subba captivated audiences with their performances, while fashion designer Nen Wanglyu added flair and representation from across the Northeast.

Recognising Talent, Intelligence, And Identity

The competition intensified with a top 10 selection, culminating in a shared question round that tested composure and clarity. A spellbinding classical music interlude followed, leading to the final five announcement: Mahi Tamang, Bishama Pradhan, Hiteyshree Ghatani, Chandra Suri Poudyal Sunar, and Jackielynn Pradhan. A final Q&A sealed the outcome, and Jackielynn's intelligence and grace were unmistakable.

When Visibility Is Still Met With Resistance

Jackielynn's win is groundbreaking, but not without its shadows. "Even after winning the title, I am still being cyberbullied. I represent not just my community but the entire women from Sikkim," she said.

Her words point to the larger reality that progress is uneven. While the crown represents acceptance, online hate and stigma reveal how much work remains. A meeting in Namchi following her win initiated plans for a transgender protection cell in the state, part of a push to enforce The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Change, it seems, is not just symbolic-it's also structural.

A New Standard For Beauty, Grace, And Grit

Jackielynn Pradhan's crowning moment was not simply about personal triumph. It was a declaration that beauty pageants can and should evolve with the world around them. Her presence on that stage redefines the template of who gets to wear the crown.

This is no longer just about glamour. It's about grit. About representation that feels real. And about making space for everyone, especially those who've spent years on the outside looking in.

As the music faded and the night came to a close, one thing was clear: Jackielynn's win isn't just a milestone for the transgender community. It's a win for every person who's ever been told they don't belong.