Grace Richardson makes history as England's first openly gay Miss England
Grace Richardson, a Leicester-based musical theatre student, becomes Miss England, the first openly gay winner, turning years of bullying into resilience and representation.
A new Miss England winner has arrived in style, breaking long-standing norms and sending a message of inclusion across the country. Grace Richardson, a 20-year-old performer from Leicester, clinched the title in Wolverhampton, becoming the first openly gay Miss England.
Grace Richardson progressed to the final round as one of 12 contestants and secured the crown after winning the talent category. A planned ballet routine was hindered by a broken foot, so she pivoted to another musical theatre piece to showcase her versatility. Her performance of Never Enough from The Greatest Showman captivated the judges and earned her the top prize.
The Leicester College of Performing Arts student will now represent England at Miss World 2026, with the event scheduled for early next year at an as-yet-undisclosed location. She could become the first British Miss World winner since 1964.
Richardson has spoken openly about enduring severe bullying during school, describing how the taunts affected her mental well-being. She recalled being judged for her appearance and height, but said she found strength in pursuing her dreams and proving the critics wrong.
Her victory is seen as a symbolic milestone for LGBTQ youth, highlighting how resilience and talent can reshape public perceptions of mainstream pageantry.
Key Takeaways
- First openly gay Miss England marks a historic step for LGBTQ representation in national pageants.
- Overcame school bullying to pursue success on a national stage.
- Advances to Miss World 2026, potentially the first British winner since 1964.
- Showcases the importance of inclusivity and empowerment in modern beauty competitions.
Expert commentary
Expert commentary: A pageantry analyst notes Richardson's win signals growing inclusivity in national contests, especially for LGBTQ participants. The achievement may inspire more diverse entrants to pursue high-profile titles.
Summary
Grace Richardson’s Miss England triumph is a significant milestone for representation and resilience in pageantry. Her journey—from school bullying to a national crown—underscores the impact of perseverance and inclusive values in shaping public perceptions. With Miss World 2026 on the horizon, she inspires a new generation to pursue their dreams without fear.
Key takeaway: Richardson's Miss England victory signals progress for LGBTQ representation in pageantry and highlights the expanding inclusivity of national competitions. BBC News