To The Miss America Organization,

Swimsuits have been a part of the pageant realm for decades and almost a century but those days should be over. For a comfortable plus-size pageant contestant, the swimsuit should go.

I do not want this to be whiny letter or pity letter but a letter to create a wave of change. The talent portion has changed and evolved, and it is time that the health and fitness portion did as well.

Growing up, I looked up to the titleholders in the Miss America and I still do! The Miss America organization has played a key role in my life. I have volunteered for the Children Miracle Network, gone to “Send-off” parties for Miss Ohio, and even competed in the Ohio Outstanding Teen Primary pageants. I enjoy the atmosphere and the mission of The Miss America Organization. But, there is one thing that I and others disagree on, and that is the “Health and Lifestyle” portion, AKA, the swimsuit completion.

As a plus size, talented, poised young woman, the swimsuit portion strikes me out. Yes, I have the confidence to rock my love handles in a bikini but let’s get real, who want to see that? Even though the swimsuit is only 10 percent of the final score, it still is steering women away— women that are in the same boat that I am in want to be a part of this great program, but we are getting turned away because we don’t have the “bikini body”.

Since 1921, the birth of the pageant, swimsuit or bathing suit has been a part of the contest. Ninety-five years later, the swimsuit has gotten smaller and contains less fabric. Back in 1921, swimsuits were similar to modern day surf rash guards, showing little to no skin. Back then, it was easier to hide the love handles. Whereas, today’s swimsuits barely cover the necessary, there is no room to hide the love handles, extra budge, saddlebags, or any other imperfection. The contestants at the 2016 Miss America look like they are on dangerous diets, unhealthy workouts, or even worse, eating disorders. Many go to cosmetic surgery or the Wonderbra to fill a bra size. It’s this what Miss America wants to stand for? Women stressed and worried about going down another dress size and up in a bra size to look stunning on stage?

The ultimate questions is—why does a woman have to be a size two to get a scholarship? Why does a woman have to look stunning in a swimsuit to win the Miss America title? Are there other ways to show healthy lifestyles? The Outstanding Teens wear workout clothes, which would be better for the self-esteem of women everywhere.

Finally, Miss America overall is a scholarship organization that awards over $6 million a year to women across the country. Miss America is the leading provider of scholarships to young women. I support this organization, but it’s time to update the swimsuit competition to help women and girls everywhere!

Sincerely,

A Potential Chubby MAO Contestant