In a landmark moment for pageantry and LGBTQ+ representation, Shavana Clarke has etched her name in history as the first openly lesbian woman to win a Miss USA state title. Clarke, who hails from the Bronx, NY, and is of Jamaican descent, will be competing in the Miss USA pageant on August 4th. Her victory as Miss USA Connecticut earlier this year is not just a personal triumph but a monumental step forward for the visibility and acceptance of queer individuals in the world of beauty pageants.
Shavana Clarke’s journey into pageantry began at a tender age of two, when she first graced the stage with her dazzling presence. “I loved strutting my stuff across the stage,” Clarke reminisces, recalling her early days as a “little diva.” Growing up, Clarke would watch the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants annually with her mother, a tradition that fueled her dream to participate in these prestigious competitions.
In 2019, Clarke’s passion for pageantry was reignited when she saw Zozi Tunzi from South Africa win Miss Universe. “Zozi made me feel inspired and empowered to get back into pageantry,” she shares. As the age limit for contestants was raised for the 2024 competition, Clarke decided to take one last shot at the Miss USA title, and her efforts culminated in a historic win.
Shavana Clarke celebrates her win. Photo: K Garcia Productions
Clarke’s victory carries profound significance, and she embraces the responsibility with pride. “It’s about time!” she declares, underscoring the importance of representation in pageantry. She notes, “Pageantry is very queer. My interview coaches, walking coaches, styling team, hair and makeup team, are all queer people. The people that succeed and help us do our best are part of the queer community.”
Clarke’s win is a testament to her resilience and the ongoing struggle for acceptance. “It is mind-blowing that people didn’t feel like a lesbian woman deserved to be in this space,” she reflects. Her journey is not only a personal victory but also a celebration of the queer community that has supported her along the way. “I am honoring the queer people that have helped me get to this point. It is a celebration of them, me, and the journey it took to get here.”
Intersectionality is at the core of Clarke’s advocacy. She brings a multifaceted perspective to the stage, addressing her experiences as a Jamaican-American, a woman, and a lesbian. Clarke emphasizes the importance of mental health and other critical issues in her dialogue with the judges. “I knew that me winning was going to be a hard pill to swallow because of everything I am. I am not only a lesbian, but I am a Black girl with short hair and I don’t fit into a lot of people’s mold of what a pageant girl should look like,” she shares.
Photo: Fadil Berisha Photography
Clarke’s victory is a beacon of hope for youth and society at large. Reflecting on her own journey, she says, “I knew that I was queer since middle school. I was in the closet for a very long time and terrified of coming out, thinking that my life would change in the worst way possible if I came out. I think about how special it is to have won Miss Connecticut USA as an openly gay woman, and it is healing for my inner child.”
In her role as Miss Connecticut, Clarke aims to use her platform to spotlight several organizations that support LGBTQ+ communities, including Troupe429, the Triangle Community Center/CT Pride Center, West Hartford Pride, Bridgeport Pride Center, Milford Pride, and Granby’s Got Pride. Her commitment to advocacy underscores her dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Shavana Clarke’s groundbreaking achievement is a powerful reminder that visibility and representation matter. As she prepares for the Miss USA competition, her journey continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of queer individuals, proving that indeed, you can be what you can see.
