In a society too often fixated on narrow definitions of beauty, the winds of change are finally blowing, heralding a new era of inclusivity and acceptance.
The recent announcement of disabled model Laura Wagner-Meyer's intention to compete for the coveted Miss South Africa title serves as a poignant reminder that beauty knows no bounds.
The 25-year-old programme manager at Seen TV entered the pageant with a TikTok video that lit up the internet and sparked thousands of supportive comments for the one thing that makes her different.
Miss South Africa is not a look. It’s a purpose, it’s a cause. But most importantly it’s an attitude. My story is a lot like the South African story. We’ve gone through a lot, but we’ve come through smiling.
— Laura Wagner-Meyer
Wagner-Meyer was born with congenital neural tube defect, which means her body is uniquely shaped, her spine is severely curved, she needs crutches to walk and has limited mobility in her legs.
“Miss South Africa is not a look. It’s a purpose, it’s a cause. But most importantly it’s an attitude. My story is a lot like the South African story. We’ve gone through a lot, but we’ve come through smiling,” she tells the camera in her entry post.
Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa Organisation, encapsulates this ethos perfectly, commenting that the aim of the pageant is to be more inclusive and embracing, and that the concept of beauty is no longer one size fits all.
This sentiment resonates far beyond the realm of beauty pageants; it reflects a broader cultural shift towards celebrating uniqueness rather than conforming to outdated stereotypes.
Gone are the days when beauty was synonymous with flawless physical perfection. Today, beauty is a tapestry woven from threads of experience, backgrounds and abilities.
It's the radiant confidence of a disabled model strutting down the runway, defying societal expectations and inspiring others to embrace their own individuality.
We saw this late last year when blind swimmer and marketing consultant Cornelle Leach stole the show at SA Fashion Week. Though inexperienced in modelling, Leach took up the challenge when she was invited to strut the catwalk, and drew a standing ovation when she was guided along the red carpet by Vogue, her black Labrador service dog.
It’s a testament to the power of representation and visibility. It challenges the notion that disability should be pitied or shunned, but rather celebrated as an integral part of the diverse tapestry of humanity.
Beauty is no longer a convention. It’s an evolving concept reflecting a changing understanding of what it means to be a beautiful human. It's about recognising and valuing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their physical appearance or abilities.
But it is a journey not without challenges. While we are seeing good progress, there are still lingering prejudices and barriers that need to be dismantled. A collective effort is needed to challenge ingrained biases to champion the rights of the marginalised.
It’s time to celebrate the beauty of difference and cultivate a society where everyone feels seen, heard and valued for who they are. It's time to weave a tapestry of beauty that embraces every hue, every texture and every story.
