History has been made in the world of beauty pageants as 20-year-old Grace Richardson becomes the first openly gay woman to win the prestigious Miss England crown. The groundbreaking victory happened on Friday, November 21, at the Miss England 2025 competition — a moment that left Grace “in shock,” especially after the tough journey she has faced since coming out five years ago.
Grace, a musical theatre student at the Leicester College of Performing Arts and a part-time model, courageously revealed her sexuality on TikTok at age 15. Instead of support, she was met with constant bullying in school, particularly from male classmates who mocked her for her sexuality and even her body size. Despite the emotional battles, she pushed through with strength and resilience.
After being crowned, Grace expressed how proud she feels of herself and how much this moment means for LGBTQ+ visibility. She emphasized that young queer people need to see representation in every field — including pageantry, a space where sexuality is rarely discussed openly. Her win sends a powerful message of courage, authenticity, and hope.
The Miss England finals were intense, ending in a tie that was ultimately broken by the talent category. Grace’s electrifying singing and dancing routine stole the show and secured her the crown. She will now represent England at Miss World 2026.
Her victory reflects the slow but steady shift in global pageants embracing LGBTQ+ contestants, following trailblazers like Lehlogonolo Machaba in South Africa and Nguyen Huong Giang in Vietnam.
Grace Richardson’s win is not just a personal triumph — it’s a victory for inclusivity, diversity, and everyone who has ever been afraid to live their truth.
