'6-Legged Angel' and the Dream of a Beauty Crown: Why Can't I Wear the Miss Vietnam Crown?

In a world often defined by conventional standards of beauty and ability, the story of Tran Tra My shines as a beacon of resilience and unwavering aspiration. My, who lives with severe disabilities, embodies a spirit that refuses to be confined by physical limitations. Her journey is not just one of personal triumph but a powerful testament to the human capacity to dream big and strive relentlessly towards those dreams.

Her autobiography, titled 'I Am a 6-Legged Angel,' emerged during the isolation of the 2020 pandemic. Initially hesitant to write her life story at just 34, My found the enforced stillness allowed her to channel her experiences into words. The writing process itself ignited a vivid imagination, leading her to envision the cover of her published book: herself adorned in a sparkling gown, a beauty queen's crown gracing her head. This image encapsulates her ultimate ambition.

“

I believe no one will write it better than you.

My's fascination with crowns and pageantry began years ago. While working in media for a jewelry company, she was involved with the Miss Jewelry Queen pageant and later with the creation of crowns for Miss Vietnam. She recalls conversations with artisan Ho Thanh Tuan about the intricate process of crown making, a world she admired from afar. The "Miss "Moonlight" Beauty" pageant in 2013 and subsequent similar events saw her encouraged by friends and reporters to participate, but she always demurred, perhaps due to self-consciousness about her speech impediment or an inner voice urging her to wait.

“

I want the image of me wearing a crown on the cover of my autobiography.

Witnessing the rise of pageants for people with disabilities in other countries since 2015-2016, and even seeing disabled individuals build careers as models, further fueled her own aspirations. In 2019, she bravely registered for the "Miss "Moonlight" Beauty" and "Ambassador of Ao Dai" pageants for people with disabilities, only to withdraw at the last minute. This hesitation, she reflects, might stem from her speech difficulties or a subconscious need for further self-development before stepping onto the stage. Since 2020, however, My has shifted from passive observer to active student, meticulously studying beauty pageants and following the social media accounts of winners, preparing herself for the moment she can finally compete and claim her crown – not just for herself, but as a symbol of hope and possibility.

From our perspective at Tuổi Trẻ, My's story resonates deeply. It challenges the narrow definitions of beauty and success often perpetuated by media, both local and international. Her determination to pursue a dream that might seem unconventional, especially given her circumstances, highlights a powerful narrative of self-empowerment. While Western media might focus on the 'overcoming adversity' angle, we see My as an active agent of her own destiny, a woman driven by passion and a profound belief in her own worth. Her story is a vibrant reminder that dreams know no boundaries, and that true beauty radiates from inner strength and an indomitable spirit.

“

Next time, remember to participate. I believe you will win a prize.