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Grace Richardson has made history as the first openly gay woman to win the Miss England pageant. At just 20 years old, the musical theater student and part-time model from Leicester College of Performing Arts captured the crown at the Miss England 2025 competition, held on Friday, November 21.
Her victory marks a significant milestone in the inclusivity of beauty pageants, as she prepares to represent England at the Miss World 2026 competition.
Richardson’s journey to the crown was not without challenges. She came out publicly on TikTok five years ago and faced consistent homophobic bullying at school.
Classmates often targeted her for her sexuality and physical appearance, with boys in her class reportedly criticizing her for being “too skinny.”
Despite these early struggles, Richardson remained resilient and focused on her goals, drawing support from her close family and friends.
Following her historic win, Richardson shared her emotions, describing herself as “powerful and proud” of her achievements.
She emphasized the importance of visibility for young people in the LGBTQ+ community, noting that representation in various sectors, including pageantry, can inspire and empower others.
She stressed that she had not seen anyone in pageantry openly discuss sexuality in such a way, making her accomplishment particularly significant for those seeking role models.
The competition itself was intense, with the finals coming down to a tie-breaker. Richardson’s standout singing and dancing performance in the talent portion of the pageant ultimately secured her victory over other top contestants.
She acknowledged the exceptional talents of her fellow competitors, noting that all top 12 finalists were deserving of the crown.
Richardson’s win reflects broader changes in global pageantry, which has been gradually opening up to LGBTQ+ contestants and leadership in recent years.
Notable examples include Lehlogonolo Machaba, the first transgender woman to compete in Miss South Africa in 2021, and Nguyen Huong Giang, the first transgender representative for Vietnam in Miss Universe 2025.
Richardson’s achievement adds to this growing list of trailblazers, signaling increasing acceptance and diversity within the pageant world.
For Richardson, the title is more than a personal triumph; it is a platform to advocate for visibility, inclusivity, and acceptance.
Her journey highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in society, particularly in environments where prejudice and discrimination remain prevalent. By winning Miss England, Richardson not only celebrates her personal accomplishments but also provides inspiration and hope for others navigating similar struggles.
Her story resonates beyond the pageant stage, reminding society that courage, authenticity, and resilience are key to breaking barriers and achieving one’s dreams.
Grace Richardson’s historic win stands as a testament to the power of representation, the importance of self-acceptance, and the evolving nature of beauty and identity in modern times.
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