A BARNSLEY pageant girl is using her platform to raise funds for charitable causes - and she’s hoping to inspire other people like herself to express themselves openly.
Swayze Best, 21, from Honeywell, only started her pageant journey last year but she already has a number of wins under her belt.
She competed in the Miss Petite Global UK competition in Birmingham and the winner had the chance to jet off to Malaysia to take part in an international competition.
Unfortunately Swayze didn’t pick up the top crown, but that hasn’t dampened her spirits.
She’s hoping that being the first lesbian woman to enter her next competition will inspire others.
Swayze told the Chronicle: “I am thrilled to announce that I will be competing in the Miss Great Britain South Yorkshire regional heats on June 7, marking the 80th year of these wonderful finals.
“As the Miss Great Britain organisation approaches its 80th year, it is surprising to note that no openly lesbian woman has ever competed for the title.
“I want to change that and be the first.
“My goal is to inspire all lesbian and bisexual women who have dreamed of participating but may have felt held back by their sexuality.
“This year, I competed in Miss Petite Global UK, where I was proud to come in as the second runner-up and secure a top three placement.
“This experience has boosted my confidence tremendously and has prepared me for the upcoming Great Britain heat.
“I believe that everyone should feel proud of who they are and have the chance to shine on stage.
“I aim to ignite a flame of passion and courage for those who wish to join me in this journey of self-expression and empowerment.”
In the run up to the event, Swayze is hoping to raise funds for a number of charities that are close to her heart - starting with an adrenaline-filled bungee jump.
She added: “I have decided to take on an exciting challenge by participating in one of the UK’s tallest bungee jumps in Killiecrankie, Scotland, just a few days before the finals on June 3.
“This jump is not only a way for me to conquer a fear but also a chance to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK, which I feel passionate about.
“Since my nan lost her battle to cervical cancer in her 40s, raising awareness about this disease is very important to me.
“I believe women should start cervical cancer screening at age 21 instead of 25.
“I am dedicated to spreading this message so more women can be protected.”
The 21-year-old is also aiming to receive hundreds of bras for a women’s charity in the coming months - with donation points set to be revealed across the borough.
She added: “I am also supporting a wonderful UK organisation called A-asisterhood, which helps women who have had to leave dangerous homes.
“We are placing bra boxes in local areas of Barnsley so these women can receive bras they need.
“Last year, I managed to collect over 100 bras in just ten days, and this year, I want to raise that number to between 500 and 1,000.”
Swayze has been nominated in this year’s Young Champions awards for both her fundraising and beauty pageant work.
She added: “I’m super excited about it.
“It’s great.”
