Israel's first transgender beauty pageant

A behind the scenes look at the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian contestants vying for the title of Miss Trans Israel

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Auditions.
Talleen Abu Hanna, 21, becomes the first Miss Trans Israel in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, May 27, 2016.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)In May, 12 contestants, selected among hundreds of women during three rounds of auditions, competed for the title. And the winner, 21-year-old Ta'alin Abu Hanna, a Chri)

Arab Israeli contestant Tallinn Abu Hana poses for the judges during auditions.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit))

Contestants selected from three rounds of auditions beginning in March of this year walk the catwalk during auditions.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit))

Contestants practice their walk at Habima, Israel's national theater.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Oded Balilty))

An organizer leads the women through a practice session.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Oded Balilty))

Contestants listen to a choreographer during a rehearsal.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Oded Balilty))

Contestant Madlen Matar takes a break on her smartphone during rehearsal.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Oded Balilty))

A makeup artist cuts artificial eyelashes backstage during the pageant.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Oded Balilty))

A contestant gets her makeup ready backstage before competing.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Oded Balilty))

Contestants wait for their turn backstage.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Oded Balilty))

Contestants pose on stage during the swimsuit round of the competition.
(Image credit: (AP Photo/Oded Balilty))

Caroline Cakebread
Caroline Cakebread

Caroline Cakebread is a web intern for TheWeek.com. Before coming to The Week she was an editorial intern at HGTV Magazine and The San Francisco Public Press. She will graduate from Syracuse University with a degree in magazine journalism in May of 2017.