In the Philippines, a new type of beauty pageant in which androgynous women compete in front of a live audience has become immensely popular.
The short segment, "That's My Tomboy," which premiered in early October, airs as part of the musical and variety show It's Showtime broadcast by ABS-CBN.
In the Philippines, the term "tomboy" often explicitly refers to a woman who identifies as a lesbian.
The first two winners of #ThatsMyTomboy na sina Phao & Kim Watch their performances http://t.co/qmMBDya5r7
That's My Tomboy
@TMTomboy
The first two winners of #ThatsMyTomboy na sina Phao & Kim
Watch their performances http://t.co/qmMBDya5r7
Each contestant introduces themselves and performs a talent, followed by a question & answer segment by the hosts.
The audience will raise cards: "T-Boom!" if they love the performance or "Boom!" if they are unimpressed.
After the premiere, #ThatsMyTomboy trended worldwide on Twitter.
#ThatsMyTomboy #1 Trending Topic for the 4th straight day! Grabe ang suporta ng Madlang people online! Maraming salamat po :) #ItsShowtime
Mike Magsaysay
@Mike_Magsaysay
#ThatsMyTomboy #1 Trending Topic for the 4th straight day! Grabe ang suporta ng Madlang people online! Maraming salamat po :) #ItsShowtime
Filipina pop star Charice, an out artist that serves as a role model for many tomboys, has been very supportive of the show.
If America ever takes on this type of show, there are plenty of tomboys ready for competition.
Erika, Samira, Casey — looking at you.