Jessica Gagen, 26, overcame childhood bullying for her auburn hair and prominent teeth to become Miss England 2022, beating 30 competitors. Recounting her past struggles, Gagen revealed how bullies physically abused her, prompting her to eat in the restroom to avoid them. Now, she aims to raise awareness about bullying based on hair color. Gagen expressed the importance of educating people about the challenges faced by red-haired children. She plans to use her platform to empower those experiencing similar bullying, emphasizing that it won’t last forever. The aerospace engineer encourages youngsters to overcome adversity, stating, “Make it your superpower.” Gagen, advocating for diversity, previously encouraged girls to pursue STEM subjects and now aims to represent redheads on a broader stage, intending to be a role model for those facing appearance-based bullying. She is set to represent England in the upcoming Miss World competition.
