She’s beauty, she’s grace. She always speaks her mind. She loves Yu-Gi-Oh and once spent $400 on a Hello Kitty plushie.

Meet Miss Arielle Keil, New Zealand’s first transgender beauty pageant queen.

Follow Arielle as she enters the weird world of beauty pageants and prepares to compete in Miss New Zealand. Her mum hasn’t seen Arielle since she was kicked out of home three years ago, but Arielle plans to become so big in the pageant world that it’ll be impossible for her mum not to see her face everywhere.

Opening and credits song: Theia - "Kitty Kat"

Where to get help:

  • OUTLine NZ: Freephone 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463). National service that helps LGBTIQ+ New Zealanders access support, information and a sense of community. 
  • Suicide Crisis Line  Free call 0508 TAUTOKO or 0508 828 865. Nationwide 24/7 support line operated by experienced counsellors with advanced suicide prevention training. 
  • Youthline Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.
  • 1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.