Olivia Raffaele, Miss Galaxy Queensland 2019
Olivia is a 24-year-old teacher of the blind, is returning to pageantry to break down negative stereotypes and fulfill her passion for helping others. She was crowned in November last year.
When most people think of pageants they think of the show 'Toddlers and Tiaras' or something similar, which to be honest, represents this form of competition in a negative light. Pageants are not for everyone, but for some, it’s something very motivational and empowering.
As a school teacher at a blind specialist school in Queensland, she finds her job very challenging and rewarding.
Being a special educator is definitely challenging at times, but seeing my student’s progress and see them happy and fulfilled means that I am doing it right!
Pageants have often been portrayed in a negative light by the media, the general consensus is that it is a step back for feminism and is degrading; in regards to the swimwear section specifically.
A lot of people that tend to speak the most negatively are people who have never been to or participated in a pageant. I am not saying that having that view is wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion, however, pageantry has a lot more substance than the swimwear section and the ‘fails’ that you see on YouTube.
