As the first queer woman to compete in Miss USA, let me tell you what pageantry means in 2020
The IndependentThe best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy This year, I am making history as the first openly queer woman to compete in the Miss USA pageant. I do not believe that anyone is under any obligation to share their sexuality with the world, but as a bisexual woman from Utah, I recognize that some communities have greater need for LGBTQ+ representation, and I felt it was important for young LGBTQ+ people to see that their sexuality is nothing to be ashamed of. As Miss Utah USA, and a competitor in Miss USA 2020, I am not asking the world to be more like me — I am asking the world to be more like themselves. Rachel’s platform #IAMWHY encourages people to be their own advocate and abolish mental health stigma by speaking up about their mental health experiences online
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First openly transgender Miss USA contestant eliminated from pageant
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The first openly bisexual Miss USA competitor opens up about her life’s challenges
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