A disabled transgender woman has told how she overcame 'relentless bullying' to finally find happiness - even competing in beauty pageants.

Thai woman Oumbun Maikhao, 23, was born without legs and only one arm. The cause of her condition remains unknown, as her parents and older sister are both physically able.

Oum endured endless insults from other children and even adults, who told her that her life was 'meaningless'.

However, the motivated model used the trauma to drive her towards success and this week attended a beauty pageant, seen in the video, showing off her sassy catwalk.

She was seen proudly strutting across the floor with a self-assured poise that belied her years of hardship.

Oum said: 'I have experienced insults and relentless bullying since my youth. There were challenges on multiple fronts because of my disability and my transgender identity.

'Adults wondered what I could achieve and whether I could ever truly live in society. They said my life was meaningless as there was nothing I could ever do.

'Those insults became the catalyst that propels me forward today, empowering me to be brave and express and develop myself.

'It helped me find my rightful place in society, where I can live without limitations and without constant fear.'

The proud trans girl said she has been aware of her sexuality early on as she had always preferred dressing up, singing, and dancing in front of the mirror, unlike other rowdy boys her age.

As she grew older, Oum began to participate in local beauty pageants, which she said were avenues for her to express herself.

Among these pageants, Oum said Miss Trans Thailand holds a special place in her heart as it was a 'prestigious platform' for transgender women like herself.

She said: 'Although I didn't win the pageant, it was a tremendous opportunity for me to express myself and fulfil a lifelong dream.

'Since I was young, I wanted to be a woman. I've always found joy in grooming myself, dressing up, and expressing myself through various performances and dance'

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree, Oum is determined to secure a promising job and open her own business. She also aspires to become a beauty influencer not just to provide for her family, but also to inspire other disabled trans women going through similar challenges.

She said: 'First and foremost, it is crucial to love ourselves and embrace who we are. We cannot control how we were born, but we have the power to choose who we become and to pursue our dreams.

'Despite the challenges we face, it is important for us to proactively seek solutions and actively remove ourselves from difficult situations.

'We must strive to progress and create happiness in our lives, living in a society where we can live fearlessly while embracing our strength.

'I want to encourage everyone watching me to continue fighting. If I can do it, you can do it too.'


SUBTITLES

0.43 - 0.58  Hello everybody, my name is Oumbun Maikhao. My nickname is Oum. I'm 23 years old, Miss Trans Thailand

0.58 - 1.19 I have been living with a disability since birth, lacking both legs and one arm. I did not know the cause of my disability as my parents and older sister are normal

1.19 - 1.30  I face immense challenges on multiple fronts, as I confront both physical limitations due to my disability and social obstacles related to my LGBTQ transgender identity

1.30 - 1.42 I have experienced insults and relentless bullying since my youth, with people saying that my existence was meaningless. They wondered what I could have done and whether I could ever truly live in society

1.42 - 2.02 Those insults have become the catalyst that propels me forward today, empowering me to be brave express and develop myself. It helped me find my rightful place in society, where I can live without limitations and without the constant fear of anything

2.02 - 2.08 It was challenging for me to overcome obstacles and become the person I am today. I had to fight very hard.

2.08 - 2.24 Since I was young, I wanted to be a woman. I've always found joy in grooming myself, dressing up, and expressing myself through various performances and dance

2.24 - 2.36 I have participated in numerous beauty pageants. it is a remarkable opportunity for allowing disabled people to express themselves and play a significant role in society

2.36 - 2.44  I have travelled and competed in numerous pageants, and I consider this particular pageant to be a significant and prestigious platform

2.44 - 2.53 It is Miss Trans Thailand, a beauty pageant for 77 transgender women

2.53 - 3.00 Although I didn't win the pageant, it was a tremendous opportunity for me to express myself and fulfil a lifelong dream

3.00 - 3.10 I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree with the goal of securing a good job or even starting my own business once I graduate.

3.10 - 3.27 I also aspire to become a beauty influencer. Despite being different, I firmly believe in my own beauty and confidence. My aim is to become successful and provide a secure future for both myself and my family

3.27 - 3.35 I aspire to become an inspiration for both transgender women and disabled people

3.35 - 3.45 First and foremost, it is crucial to love ourselves and embrace who we are. We cannot control how we were born, but we have the power to choose who we become and pursue our dreams

3.45 - 4.00 Despite the challenges we face, it is important for us, including me, to proactively seek solutions and actively extricate ourselves from difficult situations

4.00 - 4.11 We must strive to progress and create happiness in our lives, living in a society where we can live fearlessly while embracing our strength

4.11 -4.29 I want to encourage everyone watching me to continue fighting. If I can do it, you can do it too. Thank you