Miss Transliving
International 2025
Winner’s Story
Miss Transliving International 2025 Winner’s Story
Hello to everyone,
Have you ever had a dream so big it felt impossible?
Well, I pinch myself, it’s a big hello from Miss TLI 2025, Susanne.
Staying with my boyfriend at the amazing Haddon Hall Hotel in Eastbourne for the TLI weekend back in March of 2025, my boyfriend asked me to enter Miss TLI, and here I am, your winner.
The night of the event began with my normal frantic self, what to wear, how to do my makeup and so on, until it’s time to take your seat in the contestants’ VIP lounge, nervously sipping complimentary prosecco with the other contenders, having chit chat and a giggle, wondering where the night is going to take us.
The organisation behind the event is truly remarkable; all of us girls are sitting patiently for our number to be called. The tension and atmosphere you can feel building within you. There were 18 contestants in total, and we were all called individually to walk the catwalk escorted by Mick from Tiara Visions, who was one of the sponsors of the event. After all 18 of us had given it our best shot at claiming the winning title, we were all back in the VIP lounge having our Prosecco glasses topped up whilst the judges had to select the final 8 semi-finalists to go through to the final round. I was still in the race, and now all 8 semi-finalists would go out competing against each other one final time. The final catwalk towards the judges and audience, and then it was nervously waiting to hear who the final 3 winners were out of the 8 semi-finalists.
Then the moment comes for the big announcement. Miss Golden Girl went to Jenna from Somerset; Miss Diamond Girl was Mandy from Cambridge. While clapping and congratulating, a moment came over me, without giving my age away, I thought to myself that all my age group had taken the two titles, and I guess for me it was not meant to be.
Then…I did not even notice my name being called when all the girls around me started to clap, pulling me out of my chair. “You’ve won, you’ve won” was all I could hear, so surreal.
I was then escorted to join the other two winners, where my sash and crown were placed on me by Debs, the previous Miss TLI 2024 winner. This was a moment that I truly will never forget, and I assure you the next Miss TLI will never forget too ‘overwhelming’.
I literally couldn’t take in what was happening to me. All I kept thinking was photos – don’t cry, mascara, don’t cry mascara! So, rest assured, when it is my time to hand over the title, I’ll have a good old cry.
On a personal note, winning Miss Transliving International is such an honour to me, a gift. The last year I have been travelling around up and down the country bearing my sash, not for me, but to promote TLI, to show it’s still as big as ever.
I must thank my wonderful boyfriend Steve and amazing girlfriend Roxanne for taking me all over the country visiting places I’ve never been before (look out for my next article about all the amazing places we’ve visited and photos we have taken. I’m so fortunate, I don’t know what I would do without them. I love them both.
t’s now also been 18 months without someone in my life whom I loved dearly and held close in my heart, someone who gave me my life back and told me to be proud of who I am – the legendary Stacy Novak.
As you all know, Stacy sadly passed away in June 2024 and was the founder of Transliving back in 1980. Back then, all those years ago, I was visiting places in London for hidden-away dressing services and underground bars, while Stacy was fighting for trans rights.
Many years later, I had lost my way in life, and not knowing my rights meant I was still very much living in the past. Then one day, just by chance, I found TLI on the internet. I couldn’t believe what was to come next – TLI and Stacy Novak were based 10 minutes from where I lived!
From the very first time I met Stacy, I realised that she was an amazing individual and we formed a wonderful friendship. She gave me my life back. Susanne had finally found her way. Getting to know Stacy so well, I saw firsthand the work she did for the trans community, working tirelessly first thing in the morning until late at night. She advised so many other organisations and governing bodies on how to treat trans people. I realised she really was one of the few who really did fight in the darker days, helping to bring the lighter days to so many of us now. Her work really was international. I so wished she were here to witness me win Miss TLI. I miss her so much.
My year as Miss TLI is nearly up, although I still have other places I plan to visit where I will be wearing my sash with pride, knowing that Stacy is with me, holding my hand.
And of course, I cannot forget Shane, Stacy’s partner within TLI for the past 28 years, who has taken over running things and moving TLI forward. Knowing the hard work involved, it’s a wonderful feat and dedication. Thank you, Shane. And of course, Rachel, my old friend who works so hard behind the scenes – thank you.
What a privilege to have so many wonderful friends in this amazing community. I did not get the chance to thank everyone around me who cheered me on, winning Miss TLI and the judges who selected me as the winner. Thank you to all of you.
Finally, but by no means least, a big shout out to all the sponsors for their wonderful prizes for us winners: photoshoots, champagne, vouchers, jewellery, perfume, wig products and a trip to the WayOut Club.
I was lucky enough to win a photoshoot with Sean at Transfigured Photography (some of the photos appear with this article). I have to say a special big thank you to Sean for such an amazing day and for giving me yet another day I will always remember. Truly a wonderful gift. If you want to feel like a supermodel for the day, then get in touch with Sean.
So, have you ever had a dream so big it felt impossible? Pinch yourself, because dreams can and do come true.
Love to all
Susanne xxx
In loving memory and dedication to Stacy Novak 1950-2024
All photography by Transfigured Photography
Website: www.transphoto.co.uk
Email: sean@transphoto.co.uk