Historic Victory for LGBTQ Community in Beauty Pageants
In a groundbreaking moment for the beauty industry, 20-year-old Grace Richardson has been crowned Miss England 2025, becoming the first openly gay woman to win the prestigious title. The musical theater student from Leicester College of Performing Arts claimed her victory on Friday, November 21, in a competition that celebrated diversity and inclusion.
Overcoming Adversity and Bullying
Richardson's journey to the crown wasn't without challenges. The part-time model revealed to the Leicester Times that she came out as gay five years ago on TikTok and faced significant homophobic bullying from classmates, particularly boys who targeted her for both her sexuality and her physique.
"I feel so powerful and proud of myself. My coming out story wasn't the easiest," Richardson expressed after her historic win. "While my close friends and family were incredibly supportive, my school peers weren't as accepting. It became a real struggle to accept myself when so many others wouldn't."
Talent Performance Seals the Victory
The Miss England finals featured an intense competition that required a tie-breaker, with organizers noting on Instagram that Richardson's "show-stopping singing and dancing performance" ultimately secured her victory. The talent portion proved decisive in distinguishing her from other exceptional contestants.
"I wasn't expecting it to be me," the humble winner admitted. "There were so many incredible girls in that top twelve, and I genuinely believe all of them deserved to win."
Breaking Barriers in Pageantry
Richardson emphasized the importance of her victory for LGBTQ visibility, stating: "It is crucial for young people in the LGBTQ community to see people representing them in all types of walks of life. I haven't seen anyone in pageantry discuss sexuality the way I have, so it's important to me that they feel seen and represented."
Her victory continues a growing trend of LGBTQ+ inclusion in major beauty competitions worldwide. In 2021, Lehlogonolo Machaba broke barriers as the first transgender woman to compete in Miss South Africa, while just this September, Nguyen Huong Giang became the first trans woman to represent Vietnam in Miss Universe 2025.
Richardson now prepares to represent England at the 2026 Miss World competition, carrying with her a message of acceptance and the hope that her achievement will inspire other LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue their dreams without fear.
