First openly gay Miss England says she has “achieved her dream” after overcoming years of bullying

Grace Richardson, a musical theatre student from Leicester, says she has fulfilled a lifelong dream after being crowned Miss England, becoming the first openly gay woman to win the title. The 20-year-old described the victory as a powerful moment of pride after facing years of bullying about her sexuality and appearance while growing up in Leicestershire.

Richardson said she came out at the age of 15, shortly after the COVID pandemic, and immediately faced hostility from classmates. She recalled being targeted for everything from her height to her weight, explaining that the constant teasing had a serious impact on her mental health. Looking back on those difficult years, she said her win feels like a moment of personal triumph. She added that being able to stand on stage as Miss England shows how far she has come since secondary school, where she often felt isolated and judged.

Despite the challenges she faced, Richardson said she refused to let negativity define her. She first entered the Miss England competition last year, and returned a second time determined to make the most of the experience. This year, she earned her place in the national final by winning the talent round. However, only a week after qualifying, she broke her foot and was unable to perform the ballet routine she had prepared. She decided instead to showcase another musical theatre skill, performing “Never Enough” by Loren Allred from The Greatest Showman. Her performance impressed the judges and secured her the overall title.

Richardson said that her journey to the crown is a reminder of the importance of confidence and resilience. She hopes young people facing similar struggles can take inspiration from her story, especially those who feel pressured to hide who they are. She said that winning Miss England as an openly gay woman makes her proud not only of herself but also of the growing inclusivity within the competition.

As the newly crowned Miss England, Richardson will represent the country at Miss World 2026. The global event is expected to take place early next year, although the host country has not yet been announced. If successful, she could become the first British winner of Miss World since 1964, a milestone she said would be “absolutely incredible”. She added that while she is excited about the opportunity, she knows international contests are unpredictable and will simply focus on doing her best.

Richardson said she hopes her victory helps broaden perceptions of beauty pageants, showing that participants can come from different backgrounds and experiences. She believes her win sends a message that authenticity and perseverance matter just as much as talent and presentation.