Grace Richardson: Miss England’s First Openly Lesbian Winner

A Historic Milestone in the World of Beauty Pageants

At just 20 years old, Grace Richardson has made history by becoming the first openly lesbian winner of Miss England. Currently a musical theatre student, she was crowned during a glamorous yet heartfelt event held at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton. By openly sharing her personal journey, she captivated both the audience and judges, shattering longstanding stigmas often embedded in pageant traditions.

Grace’s path hasn’t been without challenges. She endured bullying during school, was mocked, questioned, and pressured to fit into societal norms. Yet, she chose honesty and self-acceptance. “My sexuality doesn’t affect my ability to be Miss England,” she told CNN. “But being open as a gay woman helps with visibility and normalization.” In her interview with the judges, she recounted her coming out experience and the struggle of returning to school after lockdowns, finally embracing her true identity. “This was a defining chapter in my life, and I wanted to be open about how far I’ve come. These are the stories that shape us. There’s no reason to hide them,” she shared with the media outlet.

By confidently embracing her identity on stage, Grace hopes to motivate “more women to be themselves,” promote positive queer representation, and send a clear message: being gay should never mean giving up on your dreams, no matter how traditional or seemingly exclusive they might be.

Owning Her Identity, Not a Publicity Move

Grace’s win is a powerful moment within a broader wave of inclusivity in beauty pageants. Prior to her, trailblazers like Swe Zin Htet — the first openly lesbian contestant in Miss Universe 2019 — and the former Miss Argentina and Miss Puerto Rico, Mariana Varela and Fabiola Valentín, who wed in 2022, began reshaping public perceptions. Yet, many of these women chose to reveal their identities after the fact, away from the competition stage.

What sets Grace apart is her immediate and unapologetic openness. She didn’t treat her homosexuality as a post-crowning anecdote or public revelation — it was a natural part of her candidacy from the start. Without theatrics or strategic branding, she communicated a powerful truth: you can win with authenticity. Her triumph proves that self-expression and visibility can coexist beautifully with evening gowns, spotlight performances, and the tradition of the crown.

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