Rosana Star is a 29-year-old woman from Rio who has been organizing Miss World Transex for 16 years, a national contest that guarantees a place in the global competition, held in Thailand. As every dispute involves adversity, the event was no different: heavy accusations came from Miss Transex 2008 and Star's former partners.
In October last year, the website's report The Cape got in touch with Fernanda Lima, Miss World Transex 2008, to learn about her preparations for the world competition in Thailand. At the time, we discovered that Fernanda would not participate in the event, because Rosana Star had disappeared with the travel money, around R$33.
To explain what actually happened, the report exclusively obtained an interview with the organizer. In a conversation with the website, Rosana Star denied having disappeared with the money and stated that the amount did not even exist. Regarding the other accusations, the transvestite said she was “very sorry” and even asked for proof.
How have you dealt with the accusations you have suffered?
They said [the people who accused Rosana] that they didn't say anything to you. They came back and said that you [the website A Capa] invented it… But this year I changed my entire team, because that was a disappointment. The people who have worked with me the most in recent years could never have spoken of my suitability. Everyone who worked with me earned their money. They even invited me to write a book, but I don't want anything to do with these people anymore.
And the accusations?
I was a victim. I was always persecuted for the following: I was the first transvestite who fought for São Paulo. These houses that exist around São Paulo, when they brought celebrities like Adriane Galisteu, Luciana Gimenez and Alexandre Frota, it was Dona Rosana who brought them, who earned credits with Amaury Jr. That's why I'm persecuted, because I have my foot in the ground and make things happen. Because getting to Anhembi isn't for everyone, and these people who accuse me hold several events there, but they haven't reached the level of Anhembi yet. Anyway, all these years of my life I fought for this: recognition and respect. People need to learn that transsexuals can do any type of job.
Transvestites and transsexuals are completely excluded from the social process…
When I started the event, no one gave credit. Nobody wants to do anything for transvestites. Everyone thinks things fall into my hands, but no one wants to grab the bag and run after sponsorship. I got all the sponsorships for trips, dresses and plastic surgery on my own merit. I have never embezzled or stolen money from anyone.
The people who worked with you said at the time that "Rosana Star fled to Rio de Janeiro".
I didn't run away, especially because I'm from Rio and I live there and here in São Paulo. I am not obliged to be available to people 24 hours a day. I am an artist from Brazil. I was in Salvador presenting Miss Universe and was very well received. I am an artist of the world.
What about Fernanda Lima’s case?
I was very sad about this person, who, by the way, I discovered is prostituting himself on a website – nothing against prostitution – using my sash and my crown to promote himself. Regardless of whether she went to Thailand or not, I will take her sash and crown. Because my work is also about raising awareness, I want to show that transvestites don't just stay on street corners.
When we interviewed Fernanda Lima, last year, she stated that you organized a party to raise funds for her to go to Thailand. She also said that the amount of R$33 was withdrawn and that you disappeared with the money. What do you have to say?
She'll have to prove it. In fact, it's this: she told me that she had some friends, that they were councilors and that they would help her raise this money. And here's the thing, even if this party had been held, this amount of R$33 would never have been raised... I threw this party at Danger and that day no one was there. Her sister was at the box office, I wasn't involved with ticket sales... Only R$600 was raised that day and this amount was used to pay the artists' fees. I spent my money to rent tables for the event, I put together costumes and I have proof.
So what she says is a lie?
She has a bad character and is in bad faith. I have already contacted my lawyer and she will have to tell me where this amount came from. Even on the day of the party, entry was half and half and the Danger manager was only able to pay the employees, it was a failure. As Miss Brazil, no one liked her victory and this is to make it clear that I am not involved in the jury. He judged, she won, that was it and it was over. She wasn't my candidate, but I respected the judges' opinion.
Did you intend to take her to Thailand?
I would really like it and I would do it for anyone. Alenka Barros (Miss World Transex 2007), who is in Spain, was the only Miss Brazil who went to Thailand because she paid for the trip that cost R$60. My event doesn't provide that amount of money, there's no way to send a girl there.
Roberto Mafra told our reporter that he only did scenography for the event and that he has no ties to you.
The story of his career is linked to Rosana Star. He came after me and used my media, my knowledge and my name. But, fortunately, this year I'm not with Roberto Mafra or Gabriel Cavalcante. I don't wish them any harm. I am a good person, I do beautiful work and I have strength.
Gabriel Cavalcante said that this type of attitude – going to Rio de Janeiro, where he lives and resting after the competition is over – is part of his curriculum.
He told me that he didn't say anything and that you guys made these things up. Look, this is going to turn into a war and I don't want that. He is writing a book and invited me to write a part, but I don't want to be part of it, because I don't want to be involved anymore. Gabriel has now arrived, Roberto Mafra was nobody that night. The first artist that Mafra took to Banda do Fuxico (carnival group held at Largo do Arouche in São Paulo) was me. It was Rosana Star who took Viviane Araújo to Fuxico, Sabrina Sato, in short, all the artists. Unfortunately, for some people, the penny hasn't sunk in yet.
And going forward?
I have a wonderful team of advisors. The Parada's advisor (Leandro Rodrigues) is taking care of my event, I'm with my lawyer, who is Cleo Dumas. So, regardless of anything, I will have a wonderful event and Fernanda will have to recant, as she made very serious accusations against me.
What will this year's Miss World Transex be like?
I'm still setting the date, but I believe it will be at the end of October. This year the theme of my event is Tops Trans, all the girls who have attended the event over the past 15 years will be presented. Patrícia Araújo, who was once Miss and rocked Fashion Week Rio, will be present. All these girls who were Miss are very proud of this, because I helped these girls. Fernanda herself, when she won, appeared in several magazines because of the award, she was even featured in IstoÉ. But suddenly, she turned against me. But this year the event comes with two wonderful queens: we are closing between Ana Hickman and Adriane Galisteu. And this year and
