Black Press Media is a proud partner of the Miss BC pageants, with this year鈥檚 event taking place June 29 - July 1inFort Langley. As part of the People鈥檚 Choice Award, we are posting contestants鈥� biographies online forreaderstolearn more about the women and girls from their communities and to put in their vote.

Submitted by Rose L. from West Vancouver:

鈥婭 entered Miss Teen BC because I felt that there was a very distinct mold of what a 鈥淧ageant Queen鈥� looked like. When hearing about a pageant contestant you would probably imagine a skinny girl with long flowing hair and a smile so big you could see it from Alberta, that is certainly not me. I am plus sized, outspoken, and I represent the LGBT+ community with my participation in the pageant. I am passionate about equality and tolerance in the world, specifically with Women鈥檚 and LGBT+ rights. More than anything, I鈥檓 so thankful I have the opportunity to talk about what I鈥檓 passionate about!

A quote I love is from popular transgender activist and influencer Miles McKenna. In regards to his journey with coming out, he said; 鈥淚 would rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I鈥檓 not.