Emma-Jay Webber, a resilient single mother of two hailing from Bristol, has achieved an exceptional milestone in the realm of international pageantry. This week, at the esteemed Ms World International Pageant held in Miami, Florida, Webber emerged as a trailblazing figure, securing the accolade of being the first openly lesbian finalist in the history of the competition. Beyond this remarkable achievement, she was additionally crowned Ms World International Woman—a coveted title that celebrates advocates of body positivity and inclusivity.
Amidst her pursuit, Webber utilized her platform to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community, passionately championing their concerns. For her, becoming a finalist in a state like Florida held profound significance, given the adversarial environment imposed by policies such as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. A state grappling with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Florida has witnessed an exodus of community members seeking safer havens.
Webber’s triumph was punctuated by an emotional crescendo, with the pageant’s culmination featuring her donning a crown and sash as she embraced her role as Ms World International Woman. Reflecting on her historic victory, Webber emphasized the significance of her achievement, stating, “To be there as a finalist is making history in itself. But to actually win it. I don’t think there has been an LGBTQ individual to win any major pageant globally.” Her victory stands as a testament to the empowerment of LGBTQ+ individuals in pursuing their aspirations.
This triumph follows Webber’s earlier recognition as the first openly lesbian Miss Great Britain finalist in March 2023. Her journey, which commenced as a search for self-esteem enhancement, evolved into a powerful statement against hate crimes and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Webber’s endeavor underscores the imperative of using platforms like pageantry to amplify vital messages, reaffirming that regardless of one’s background, aspirations can be realized with determination and resilience.