It is the biggest pageant in the world for transgender women. 

Jacqueline had dabbled in modelling when her agent recommended she apply for the contest in January as a way to kick-start her career. 

The competition took place from February 26 to March 9 and involved video shoots, rehearsals, catwalk and general etiquette.

“My favourite part was meeting other girls as I haven’t come across many transgender people in my life. This was the first time I have felt like I was with peers that I could get advice and learn from.

“It was good to meet girls who are confident in themselves,” she said.

Jacqueline has lived in Daylesford since 1997, when her grandparents opened a spa resort. 

The 26-year-old came out as transgender when she was 18 and says she has been lucky to have support.

“I always felt like I was in the wrong body. When I was 16, I started to dress more ambiguously, wear makeup and straighten my hair.

“I always had really close friends who were on my side. There was never a question about who I was - they accepted me. 

“The rise of the internet played a part by making it easier for me to identify as my true self online. That was the beginning of when I was able to be myself,” she said. 

She said meeting girls from foreign countries opened her eyes to the plights of other transgender people, like Indonesians, for whom being transgender is illegal. 

“There is still a lot of discrimination in Australia, but I think we have come a long way, especially with the acceptance of marriage equality.

“The world is moving closer to equality so it can only get better from here. We are all humans at the end of the day.”

Jacqueline  had no pageant experience going into the competition so is pleasantly surprised at doing so well.

“The contest is not just about beauty. It’s about who you are, your story and being accepted by the world, while hopefully encouraging others to do the same.

“I honestly didn’t think I would do that well. Every time I moved to the next level I was completely shocked.”

Her advice to others: “You can never reach your full potential until you’re true to yourself. You never know what you’re capable of until you show yourself to the world. What I’ve just done is proof of that,” she said.