Finding My Voice

By ShayLee Raye

Growing up with a disability, I rarely saw people like me represented—especially in the world of pageantry. The glamorous gowns and confident women on stage inspired me, but I never imagined someone with an ostomy bag, feeding tubes, and scars could stand among them.

That changed when I took a leap of faith and entered my first pageant. At the time, I was juggling full-time jobs to graduate debt-free, but pageantry quickly became more than a competition—it became a platform. Each time I stepped on stage, I challenged perceptions of beauty, proving that resilience and confidence shine brighter than any crown.

Through hard work and determination, I earned titles like Ms. Utah Prime 2022-2023 and placed 2nd Runner-Up in Miss Davis County, winning awards for sponsorships, photogenic appeal, and the People’s Choice vote. But beyond trophies, I found something even more valuable: a voice.

Pageantry gave me the space to advocate for "Invisible Disabilities; Visible Awareness"—to show that strength comes in many forms, including scars and medical devices. It led me to the love of my life, a deeper sense of purpose, and now, the honor of holding the title of Mrs. Utah Petite 2025.

This July, I will walk the national stage as the first queen to showcase an ostomy bag, feeding tube, and scars. I am becoming the role model I once needed, proving that beauty is not about perfection but about embracing who you are—fully and unapologetically.

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ShayLee Raye is the current Mrs. Utah Petite. You can find her on her Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.