Growing up in the south, you see your fair share of beauty pageants - especially in or around Texas. You have your girls that start off as soon as they come home from the hospital, but for Mattie Witman, pageants were never really her style.
When Mattie received an invitation from the Miss Teen Oklahoma City Beauty Pageant, she for sure thought it was a joke. But when she realized that it was a legitimate nomination, she entered in the pageant - and for the best reason - to call attention to narrow beauty standards while raising awareness about equality and fighting discrimination.
The day came and the 18-year-old decided to do something very bold. Mattie wore a tuxedo to the competition. Standing next to 59 other pageant contestants in floor length gowns, she looked like a total rock star.
"I'm not super into pageants to my knowledge but I intend on using it to begin a movement against unnecessary standards of beauty in the world," she wrote on Instagram about her being nominated for the pageant.
Out of the total of 60 contestants, Mattie was chosen as the 2015 Miss Teen Oklahoma City/Tulsa WINNER! Mattie blew the judges away with her choice of attire and when asked about what her goals were she said, "While we are surrounded by beautiful participants, you must look towards how people have differences and that [tolerance] is something that the entire international community can begin to learn, and begin to make strides towards success in society."
She turned to Instagram to thank everyone who has been supporting her throughout this who process:
Had so much fun participating tonight and receiving the title of Miss Teen Oklahoma City/Tulsa! Thank you to all who came out and to those who have sent such kind words. A huge thank you to my lovely pageant crew composed of Aislynn and Claire. And a giant shoutout to my sponsors, @tomboyxstyle and @hautebutch. I couldn’t have achieved this without your love and support. #missteenokc #makingwaves
Mattie is now on her way to the national competition in Florida that will be held in October, where she will be able to receive academic scholarships to help her with attending Oklahoma University. These scholarships aren't what is in her heart, though. She is striving to make a difference and to help the world come to a better understanding about equality and acceptance. "If I can change one person's mind that you don't have to have long blonde hair and beautiful eyes and have a perfect figure to be beautiful, then I personally feel like I've won," she says, “it’s a small step, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
I tell you what. I was never into beauty pageants. I wasn’t into big hair and big dresses, but this girl has turned something that was so stereotypical into something so wonderful. She has shown that no matter what you look like, you can do anything. Nothing should hold you back, especially if you do not fit into the “beauty” standards.
