“I want people to remember me as a history-maker. I want to be someone who paved the way, who stood tall so others could feel safe in their truth…….”

When Jackielynn Pradhan stepped into the spotlight as the first transgender woman to win Miss Universe Sikkim, she didn’t just wear a crown — she carried the onus of visibility, pride, and responsibility on her shoulders. At that moment, she wasn’t just claiming a title, she was rewriting a narrative for Sikkim, for Northeast India, and for the countless LGBTQI youth who have long waited to see someone like them being celebrated and acknowledged

But 21-year-old Jackielynn’s story isn’t just about a pageant victory. It is a tender, powerful journey of becoming — from a quiet, self-doubting teenager to a confident young trans woman determined to carve a safe space for others. Her story is about courage, transformation, and the undeniable power of simply being seen.

“When I started transitioning, that was when I truly felt seen. I could go out publicly while being who I was! Before that, I was quiet and unsure, with low self-esteem. But once I embraced myself, I found strength.”

Growing up different in a land of tradition

Jackielynn was raised in the scenic hills of Jorethang, Sikkim, known for its postcard-perfect views and deep-rooted traditions. But behind that beauty is a society still learning to accept gender diversity. For young Jackielynn, that meant learning to understand and express her identity with quiet courage and care.

“I didn’t come out publicly for a long time. Only my parents and close relatives knew. I wanted to stay low-key because I was scared of the backlash,” she says. Luckily, I passed in public and didn’t face direct transphobia. But once I entered pageantry and opened up, cyberbullying, along with derogatory comments about gender and my appearance, became a reality. Still, I felt it was time to speak up for those who couldn’t.”

Jackielynn was aware of herself quite early, while she was growing up. She was drawn to makeup, colourful clothes, and Barbie dolls from a young age. “Even as a child,........

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