By . Katy Winter . The first ever transgender beauty contest has been staged in Turkey, with photos of the landmark event shining a light into the vibrant world of colourful outfits, masses of hairspray - and a whole heap of bravery. Simply holding the contest was a bold . move given that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) people in . the country face continual legal challenges and discrimination, despite . the fact homosexuality is legal. The pageant formed part of a week-long celebration of LGBT events held . against a background of violence towards transgender sex workers. Anna Narin, winner of 'Best dressed' in the transgender beauty contest revels in the adulation of the crowd . The contestants prepare backstage for the contest, which is the first of its kind to be held in Turkey . [cThe winner of the transgender beauty contest, Yanki Bayramoglu (pictured centre) is congratulated . Advocacy group LGBT Turkey say 70 transgender people have been killed in the country since 2002. According to a 2011 report by Amnesty International, hate crimes in Turkey towards gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people - including violent attacks and murders - are common but largely ignored by the authorities. But competitors in the pageant were determined to take a stand - and make the most out of the day. Behind the scenes competitors helped their rivals with hair styling, make up and arranging the costumes . One of the 13 contestants is helped with her hairpiece ahead of her appearance on the stage . Taking part in the contest was an act of bravery as transgender people are often persecuted in Turkey . Photographer Sedat Suna was there to . capture the friendly yet competitive atmosphere behind the scenes as . well as the on-stage performances. Backstage, contestants helped their . rivals with hair styling, make-up and arranging the costumes to ensure . everyone looked their best. Watched . by a crowd of around 500, a jury of eight transgender people were . responsible for awarding points to the 13 competitors who appeared first . in bikinis and later in a full dress show and Yanki Bayramoglu finally took the crown. Yanki Bayramoglu takes to the catwalk (left) and later reacts with joy to her win (right) A dancer performs in traditional costume for the audience who are supporting the LGBT week in Turkey . A contestant prepares to meet the crowd of 500 who gathered in Istanbul to watch the contest . A contestant is silhouetted in the doorway of a changing room, captured by photographer Sedat Suna . One contestant admires herself in the mirror in a cut away black dress before the start of the contest .
First ever Turkish transgender beauty contest held in Istanbul .
Although homosexuality is legal, there is huge prejudice in Turkey .
Since 2002, 70 transgender people have been killed in the country .
LGBT community face daily discrimination and often violence .
Beauty pageant part of week of events being held in protest of increased violence towards transgender sex workers .
By . Katy Winter . The first ever transgender beauty contest has been staged in Turkey, with photos of the landmark event shining a light into the vibrant world of colourful outfits, masses of hairspray - and a whole heap of bravery. Simply holding the contest was a bold . move given that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) people in . the country face continual legal challenges and discrimination, despite . the fact homosexuality is legal. The pageant formed part of a week-long celebration of LGBT events held . against a background of violence towards transgender sex workers. Anna Narin, winner of 'Best dressed' in the transgender beauty contest revels in the adulation of the crowd . The contestants prepare backstage for the contest, which is the first of its kind to be held in Turkey . [cThe winner of the transgender beauty contest, Yanki Bayramoglu (pictured centre) is congratulated . Advocacy group LGBT Turkey say 70 transgender people have been killed in the country since 2002. According to a 2011 report by Amnesty International, hate crimes in Turkey towards gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people - including violent attacks and murders - are common but largely ignored by the authorities. But competitors in the pageant were determined to take a stand - and make the most out of the day. Behind the scenes competitors helped their rivals with hair styling, make up and arranging the costumes . One of the 13 contestants is helped with her hairpiece ahead of her appearance on the stage . Taking part in the contest was an act of bravery as transgender people are often persecuted in Turkey . Photographer Sedat Suna was there to . capture the friendly yet competitive atmosphere behind the scenes as . well as the on-stage performances. Backstage, contestants helped their . rivals with hair styling, make-up and arranging the costumes to ensure . everyone looked their best. Watched . by a crowd of around 500, a jury of eight transgender people were . responsible for awarding points to the 13 competitors who appeared first . in bikinis and later in a full dress show and Yanki Bayramoglu finally took the crown. Yanki Bayramoglu takes to the catwalk (left) and later reacts with joy to her win (right) A dancer performs in traditional costume for the audience who are supporting the LGBT week in Turkey . A contestant prepares to meet the crowd of 500 who gathered in Istanbul to watch the contest . A contestant is silhouetted in the doorway of a changing room, captured by photographer Sedat Suna . One contestant admires herself in the mirror in a cut away black dress before the start of the contest .
beauty contest has been staged in Turkey, with people in . the country face continual legal homosexuality is legal. The pageant formed part of a week-long celebration of LGBT events held . against a background of violence towards transgender sex workers. Anna Narin, winner of transgender people have been killed in the