4 minute read
INTERVIEW: Sonja Wilson Ms Great Britain Classic Finalist 2022
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Title, name & age? Sonja Wilson Ms Great Britain Classic Finalist 2022 Age 54
What made you enter pageants in the first place?
I used to be a carnival queen in the 1980’s and I loved it so much. When the opportunity came up to compete again I jumped at the chance !
Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?
My previous titles go way back to 1987/88 when I was Miss Faversham. I then progressed to Kent and Sussex Queen in 1988/89. After a long gap I then entered Classic Diamond Uk and won in 2019. This system then took me to Internationals in the USA. I competed and won Classic Regency international in 2019.
What made you decide to compete in your current system?
So I remember going to watch Miss Great Britain in 2019 and I was absolutely blown away by it. I also remember it as a child and so I am completely in awe of this system. When they announced a Classic category I still had my title because Covid had extended my reign. Out of respect for my directors I wanted to do a proper handover before looking at an alternative system. For me it was a really easy decision to make, I also love the fact that the charity work that the Great Britain system supports are fantastic. The two charities are Cancer Research Uk; the fact that cancer affects one in two people, this charity is so relatable to everyone, and Alex’s wish. Alex’s wish is a charity set up to help eradicate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is very aggressive and every muscle in the body gets destroyed because of the lack of protein including the heart and lungs.
What’s your pageant platform and why?
My platform is called “Transform”. I work with the LGBTQIA+ community striving for acceptance within the pageant community. I also have a trans son who before transitioning used to compete in pageants and now cannot because they weren’t born male. I also set up the UK’s first gender neutral pageant . This is called Miss Drag Uk and the applications came flooding in. I wanted to offer the opportunity of competing with the LGBTQIA+ Community.
What’s your dream title?
Ms Great Britain Classic as it’s so iconic!
If you were to win what would it mean to you?
When I won Classic Diamond Uk and Classic Regency international it helped me to establish myself within the pageant community and to be able to offer guidance and support to the other girls competing. I enjoy watching other people starting their journey and watching their successes. If I was fortunate enough to win Ms Great Britain Classic not only would I take my title all over the country encouraging other older women to enter, I will also take it internationally so that in other countries it is also recognised. I would also use the title to help drive my platform forward to the next level.
What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens/finalists?
My best advice is don’t copy other people that have previously won, focus on your own individuality. So many times you see girls trying to copy previous winners and it just doesn’t work!
What have you been doing in the run up to your pageant final?
Since being selected as a finalist for Ms Great Britain Classic I have not only taken my title around the UK I have also taken it to the USA. Later on this month I will be taking it to Mexico. I am also organising a charity event incorporating my platform. All I can say is watch this space!
What is your favourite ever appearance?
My favourite ever appearance was running Miss Drag UK and being able to talk on television about it. It was so much fun but exhausting!
What makes a good pageant role model?
A good role model is a person that never gives up, has a clear set of values, is kind and supportive to those around them and is passionate about what they do.
What’s your favourite pageant round?
My favourite is the elegance of evening wear. In my opinion it is the epitome of femininity and in many cultures portrays beauty, happiness and the female form.
How do you deal with pageant nerves?
Any pageant nerves that I experience I use to help me create a sharp focus. I also find that talking to other contestants helps as everyone feels the same in various degrees. Laughing also helps to let off any nervous energy !
