Sisterhood in Pageants: More Than Just a Crown

Pageants are often seen as a competition, where beauty, talent, and grace are celebrated on stage. But beyond the rhinestone crowns, fabulous makeup and glamorous gowns lies a unique and deeply supportive community: the sisterhood of pageants. While it may seem like a solo pursuit, many contestants find that their experience is enriched not just by individual achievement, but by the bonds they form with other women. Sisterhood in pageants is about empowerment, mutual support, and shared growth.  It's women supporting women.

These women, who are competitors in a traditional sense, can also be their greatest supporters.

They cheer each other on, offering encouragement before the interview, help with last-minute wardrobe adjustments, and comfort during moments of stress. The bonds formed are often rooted in a deep understanding that they are all working toward similar goals, even if only one woman can win. The knowledge that another contestant shares the same struggles makes the journey a little less isolating.

Pageants often push women to their limits, helping them discover their inner strength and talents. In this space, the women who participate learn to embrace their individuality, while also recognizing that every contestant is valuable, beautiful, and deserving of success. The true value of sisterhood in pageants is how it fosters a sense of self-worth not just through competition, but through connection.

In a pageant sisterhood, everyone is encouraged to be their best selves, both on and off the stage. The support given is never based on comparison but on collective growth. Women are celebrated not just for the crown they wear, but for the person they become during their journey. When a contestant wins a crown, it is often seen as a victory for the entire sisterhood, because it reflects the strength and perseverance that each woman has brought to the process.

The ultimate message of pageant sisterhood is empowerment. It’s about lifting each other up, celebrating each other’s successes, and being there in times of struggle. Pageants provide a platform for women to be seen and heard, but the true beauty of pageantry lies in the relationships built between contestants. The idea that “you can’t shine if you’re dimming someone else’s light” rings true in the pageant world. A supportive sisterhood elevates every participant, making the entire experience meaningful and fulfilling.

In the end, pageants are about more than just a crown—they’re about creating a sisterhood of women who empower each other to achieve greatness. This sense of sisterhood teaches contestants that their value isn’t tied to external accolades but is rooted in the strength they find in one another.

So, the next time you watch a pageant, remember that behind the glitzy gowns and sparkling tiaras, there’s a community of women lifting each other up, proving that the real prize isn’t the crown, but the lasting connections they’ve made along the way.

-Jen Barton: Mississippi State Director, American Women of Service Elite 2020 & Lifetime Ambassador