Jessica Gagen was crowned as the first red-haired Miss England in the pageant’s 94-year history. She will now go on to represent England at Miss World
The aerospace engineering master’s student campaigned to get girls into STEM subjects, also realizing the importance of empowering those with red hair
Jessica went through incredible hardships when she was in secondary school, as fellow students relentlessly bullied her for her natural red hair
She was punched, spat on, name-called, and even burned. She had things thrown at her head and was forced to eat lunch in the toilets to avoid the abusive kids
“I looked back and I was thinking, ‘There are not that many redheads on TV.’ Even last year there wasn’t one redhead in Miss World!” Jessica explained
She hopes her win will empower redheads experiencing what she did all those years ago and show them that the bullying won’t last forever
“I have been through it and you can use that pain to raise your game. Make it your superpower!” she stated
More resources need to be provided to stop bullying in its beginning stages, as well as to provide spaces of healing and safety for those who have been victims
We wish Jessica all the best of luck in Miss World and hope that her example ends up encouraging and inspiring others to embrace their natural beauty
People have warmly congratulated Jessica on her win. Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments below!
• Don't insult other visitors. Offensive comments will be deleted without warning.
• Comments are accepted in English only.
• No swearing words in comments, otherwise such comments will be censored.
• Your nickname and avatar are randomly selected. If you don't post comments for 7 days, they both are reset.
• To choose another avatar, click the ‘Random avatar’ link.
and then they date the bullies.......