Grace Richardson, a 20-year-old musical theatre student from Leicester, has made history as the first openly gay Miss England, a milestone celebrated across the United Kingdom and beyond. Her victory at the Miss England 2025 final, held at Wolverhampton’s Grand Station on Friday, November 21, 2025, has sent ripples through the world of pageantry, inspiring thousands with her resilience, talent, and unwavering authenticity.
Richardson’s journey to the crown was anything but easy. According to BBC, she endured years of homophobic bullying after coming out at age 15, just after the COVID-19 pandemic. She recounted, “So I was 15 when I came out. It was just after Covid and my peers at school just really weren’t very nice to me, which definitely took a bit of a toll on my mental health. I used to get picked on for countless things, being too skinny, being really short and then becoming really tall. It’s almost like everything I did was wrong.”
Despite the negativity, Richardson’s determination never wavered. “It was a struggle to accept myself while a lot of people weren’t accepting me,” she told Yahoo News. “To be able to represent England at such a prestigious competition and go to Miss World next year, it feels like I am breaking down those barriers and expectations that my peers set for me.”
Richardson’s rise in the pageant world began with her win as Miss Leicestershire 2024, followed by her victory as Miss East Midlands 2025. With each step, she continued to impress both judges and audiences, not just with her poise and beauty, but with her show-stopping performances. Organizers highlighted her “show-stopping singing and dancing performance” as the deciding factor that secured her place in the final round, as reported by GO Magazine.
However, her path to the Miss England title took an unexpected turn. Originally, Richardson planned to perform a ballet routine for the talent category, but fate intervened when she broke her foot just a week after entering the competition. Rather than withdraw, she adapted, drawing on her musical theatre background. Her powerful rendition of “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman captivated the judges and clinched her the talent win, according to BBC. “I was set to perform a ballet dance, but broke my foot the week after entering the event, and so used another of my musical theatre talents to impress the judges,” she shared.
Richardson’s story is not only one of personal triumph but also one of representation and hope for others. As she put it, “Knowing 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 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.”
Her openness about her sexuality and the challenges she faced has resonated deeply with many. “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,” Richardson said. Her win has been hailed as a milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility in a sphere that has historically been slow to embrace diversity.
Richardson’s family played a crucial role in her journey. She credits her parents for being her “support beams through absolutely everything I’ve done,” as she shared on Instagram, according to GO Magazine. “I truly wouldn’t be the confident woman I am today without them.”
Her victory has also been marked by philanthropy. Richardson raised £42,000 for Beauty with a Purpose, a charitable project that supports humanitarian efforts worldwide. This commitment to giving back aligns with the ethos of Miss World, the oldest still-running international beauty pageant, which emphasizes intelligence, talent, and social responsibility.
Now, as Miss England, Richardson is set to represent her country at the 73rd Miss World competition in 2026. The event, expected to take place early next year, offers her the chance to become the first British winner since 1964. “It would be absolutely incredible to bring Miss World back to England, but you never know how it’s going to go,” she said, her humility and realism shining through even as she stands on the cusp of another historic opportunity.
The significance of Richardson’s win extends beyond the pageant circuit. Pageant fans and LGBTQ+ supporters have praised her for her courage and visibility, with many calling her victory a turning point for modern pageantry. “I’m proud to represent those who have ever felt different or not good enough. You can overcome anything,” Richardson told Yahoo News.
Her story is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. “It’s nice being able to stand up now and say, ‘look at what I’ve done.’ I’ve ignored everything negative that they said to me and actually I’ve gone on to achieve my dreams,” Richardson reflected in her interview with BBC. Her message is clear: the obstacles she faced did not define her; her response to them did.
Richardson’s journey has also highlighted the evolving landscape of beauty pageants. No longer solely focused on traditional notions of beauty, competitions like Miss England and Miss World now celebrate intelligence, talent, and social impact. Richardson embodies this new ideal, blending artistry, advocacy, and authenticity.
As the excitement builds for Miss World 2026, Richardson remains focused but grounded. She acknowledges the unpredictability of international competition but is eager to make her mark. “Regardless of the outcome, many fans say she has already made history,” observed Yahoo News.
For many, Grace Richardson’s win is more than just a personal achievement; it is a symbol of progress, a beacon for those who feel marginalized, and a powerful reminder that dreams can be realized even in the face of daunting odds. Her story will no doubt inspire future generations to embrace their true selves and pursue their ambitions with courage and conviction.
With her crown, her voice, and her story, Grace Richardson has ushered in a new era for Miss England—one where authenticity, diversity, and resilience take center stage.
