Albino beauty pageant redefines beauty amid persecution

Briana Duggan, CNN

Updated 1639 GMT (0039 HKT) October 24, 2016

The world's first albinism beauty pageant was held in Nairobi in an effort to fight the stigma associated with albinism.
Photos: Behind the scenes of Kenya's Albinism beauty pageant
Beauty beyond the skin – The world's first albinism beauty pageant was held in Nairobi in an effort to fight the stigma associated with albinism.
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The Mr and Miss Albinism beauty pageant was organized by the Albinism Society of Kenya.
Photos: Behind the scenes of Kenya's Albinism beauty pageant
Beauty beyond the skin – The Mr and Miss Albinism beauty pageant was organized by the Albinism Society of Kenya.
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Contestants at the event sang and danced to raise money for support programs including cancer treatment and counseling.
Photos: Behind the scenes of Kenya's Albinism beauty pageant
Beauty beyond the skin – Contestants at the event sang and danced to raise money for support programs including cancer treatment and counseling.
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Kenya's first and only albino MP Isaac Mwaura (second from the left) spearheaded the event.
Photos: Behind the scenes of Kenya's Albinism beauty pageant
Beauty beyond the skin – Kenya's first and only albino MP Isaac Mwaura (second from the left) spearheaded the event.
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MP Mwaura wants the world to understand that albinos are not "mzungu" -- "white people" -- but human beings.
Photos: Behind the scenes of Kenya's Albinism beauty pageant
Beauty beyond the skin – MP Mwaura wants the world to understand that albinos are not "mzungu" -- "white people" -- but human beings.
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Some African societies see albinism as a curse or a sign of infidelity, which often leads to community ostracism. Pictured here is contestant Andrew Ngune.
Photos: Behind the scenes of Kenya's Albinism beauty pageant
Beauty beyond the skin – Some African societies see albinism as a c