Solongo Batsukh: Mongolia’s Trend‑setting Trans Beauty Icon
Picture this: a skimpy black dress, a light pastel pink coat, and a zip‐line of icy wind from Mongolia’s glaciers. Yet our 25‑year‑old superstar, Solongo Batsukh, shows up looking fierce, proving that style doesn’t care about temperatures.
“I don’t like to look puffy,” she says
While driving to a beauty salon that hired her to livestream its products, Solongo keeps it real: she’s all about sleekness, not fluff. The confidence she brings is as palpable as the chill in the air.
Breaking Taboos in the Miss Universe Mongolia Contest
- Bold and blunt as ever, Solongo strutted into the first Miss Universe Mongolia competition like a queen commanding the runway.
- She didn’t land the title, but she did something even bigger—she amplified the voices of a community that’s usually whispered about in a conservative society.
What If She Had Won?
Winning would have sealed her place in history with Miss Spain’s Angela Ponce as the first transgender contestants in the 66‑year legacy of Miss Universe. Imagine the headline: “Trans Icons Take the Crown.”
Even without the crown, Solongo’s fearless presence is a beacon. She proves that in Mongolia’s frosty landscapes, you can be resilient, vibrant, and proudly you.
From a Boy to a Beautiful Icon: The Inspiring Journey of Bilguun Batsukh
When Bilguun Batsukh—yes, she’s a B for beautiful—took the stage in the Miss Universe Mongolia contest, she wasn’t just competing for a crown; she was aiming to ignite a spark in every woman who sees herself in her reflection. “I wanted to inspire as many women as possible,” she told AFP, her eyes shining with a fierce determination.
“Solongo” That Echoes Her Soul
She didn’t just win the title; she crafted a persona named ‘Solongo’, a name that means “light” in Mongolian. “I’m still proud to have stepped onto that stage, and the ‘Solongo’ I created? It’s a true winner in my heart,” she laughed, showing that even a title can’t capture the light she carries.
Her bold choice sparked debate on social media. One comment on the Miss Universe Mongolia Facebook page lamented, “The world would have a negative image of our country if a man represents us while there are thousands of beautiful and real women in our country.”
But She Doesn’t Let Mockery Hide Her Glow
Batsukh’s story starts in the semi-arid steppes of Dundgovi, where she grew up as a boy—though her heart always knew she was different. “I didn’t realize my gender identity until I learned about different gender orientations back in university in my early 20s.”
Today, she’s a program officer at Youth for Health, an NGO that champions safe-sex education for the LGBTQ+ community. It was there that she finally understood: she was a woman born in a man’s body, and she was ready to embrace it.
- Wigs and Dreams: She began wearing wigs and dresses, turning the ordinary into extraordinary.
- Hormones for Harmony: She started hormone therapy, treating her body as an instrument tuned to her true voice.
- Confidence, Strength, and a Dash of Humor: Each step is walked with a smile, refusing to let anyone bring her down.
Why Batsukh’s Journey Matters
In a world that often paints everyone in black or white, Batsukh reminds us that color exists in the confidence of a woman who refuses to be boxed. She’s the living proof that identity isn’t a constraint—it’s a celebration, especially when you shine brighter than the star you’re standing beside.
And if her story’s just a footnote in a newsfeed, it ought to be a headline. When a woman grabs a crown and loves it sincerely, it’s not just about her—it’s about every woman who sees her finding a reason to stand tall and think: “I can do this too.”
Breaking the Mold: Batsukh’s Bold Leap in Mongolia’s LGBTQ Scene
In a country where 80% of the LGBTQ community stays in the shadows, Batsukh is lighting the way. She’s one of the few bold voices that’s stepping onto the world stage, proving that the transgender experience in Mongolia is far from a niche whisper—it’s a headline‑worthy pronouncement.
The Struggle Is Real
- Transpeople find it hard to land jobs – a reality shared by Baldangombo Altangerel, the legal program manager at the LGBT Centre.
- Last year a viral clip of a beaten street‑side transgender woman sparked outrage, spotlighting deep-rooted prejudice.
From Pageants to Paychecks
Fast‑forward to 2014: Batsukh represented Mongolia at Miss International Queen in Thailand, snagging a top‑10 spot in one of the world’s premier transgender beauty contests. Since then she’s chased modelling gigs and polished her craft as a makeup artist.
“Speak Up or Stay Silent”
“If we stay cloaked, the world keeps turning its eyes away and the hate grows louder.” Batsukh insists that visibility is the antidote to misunderstanding. “We need to step out and show who we truly are.”
The Tough Talk
She isn’t shy about calling out her own community for napping in chatterland. “Let’s hustle and prove ourselves through work, not just rights rhetoric,” she urges. “Instead of saying we’re human like everyone else, we need to prove it with actions.”
Boosting Beauty and Confidence
With a Facebook fanbase of over 120k likes, Batsukh is launching a reality makeover show that encourages women to shed weight, shuffle hairstyles, and get glamorous under her guidance.
- Sarangoo Sukhbaatar, 25, works in a cashmere company, stands out as one of the contestants willing to trust Batsukh’s magic touch.
- “Batsukh truly gets what women feel,” Sukhbaatar says. “Her patience inspires me. If a man can be beautiful like her, women can be even more beautiful tomorrow!”
Moments of Inspiration
When Sukhbaatar sees Batsukh turn simple looks into stunning transformations, she knows that confidence is a shareable skill. “We’re all capable of redefining ourselves,” Sukhbaatar smiles.
All in all, Batsukh’s journey showcases more than pageantry and protest; it’s a celebration of visibility, authenticity, and the belief that confidence can indeed change the world—one makeover at a time.
