Introducing Grace Richardson: The First Openly Gay “Miss England”
The 20-year-old endured years of homophobic abuse before becoming a beauty pageant queen.
Featured Image: via Miss World Instagram
This weekend, Grace Richardson made history as the first openly gay woman to take the crown as Miss England at the finals in Wolverhampton. Now a 20-year-old musical theatre student and part-time model, the Leicester resident had endured years of homophobic abuse in school before becoming a beauty pageant queen. She’s “in shock” (in a good way), and hopes the win will inspire others.
“Knowing that I’m able to share my story and represent a part of our community that hasn’t been represented in this way before is really special,” she reportedly told Birmingham Live. “It is important 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 talk about sexuality in the way that I have so it is important to me for them to feel seen.”
Image via: Miss England Instagram
Richardson came out at the age of 15 after COVID, and told Express & Star that it was “a bit of a scary experience.” After getting the backlash, it made her think about her self-worth and self-confidence. She struggled with accepting herself, but after entering Miss England, she found the space to be herself.
Richardson won multiple qualifying competitions before landing on this throne. She was named Miss Leicestershire 2024 (her home town) and this year’s Miss East Midlands. Organizers reported on Instagram that it was her “show-stopping singing and dancing performance” that secured the final crucial point amid a talented field.
Next stop: the 73rd Miss World competition in 2026. The oldest still-running international beauty pageant, Miss World focuses on intelligence, talent, and a “Beauty With a Purpose” project.
“My parents have been the support beams through absolutely everything I’ve done,” Miss England shared on Instagram several weeks ago after earning the Miss East Midlands title… I truly wouldn’t be the confident woman I am today without them.”
