Ms. LBC 2011 Jill - All of the Ms LBC contestants for
2011
I have never been a woman fond of competition, I
suppose naturally I am a person who works with
others not one who wants to compete. Many
would assume that a strong minded woman such as
myself who is confident wouldn't have a problem with
competition. But to me competition means one
is better than the rest. I don't see people in
that manner, I tend to think each person is unique
and has something valuable to share with the world.
The choice of positive or negative is up to the
person.
So when I was asked to compete in the Chicago Ms.
LBC Pageant I was surprised yet interested.
Ms. LBC is a Pageant that was started by Linda of
Linda's Big Connections who services plus sized
events in the Chicago area. Most well known for The
Chicago Boo Bash Halloween event and Mari Gras.
I figured why not I performed my spoken word poem "I
am Plus Sized Beauty... Hear me Roar". Many
continued to tell me I was going to win. Even
before the competition started. It felt good
that many would consider me a winner and someone to
beat out all the others. But I felt sad inside
as well. I don't want to compete against so
many ladies I don't want to be proclaimed as better,
aren't we all basically the same at heart? A
couple of women told me with you competing why
should I enter? That made me discouraged in a
way. I wanted to come together with the ladies
not feel like we were on opposite sides.
Once I decked myself out in my KZ creation made just
for me. I went to the ballroom. I met
the ladies we talked and laughed and it wasn't like
I thought it would be. It was a relaxed
atmosphere and we all got along well. In fact
some of these ladies I had already got a chance to
spend time with and I truly felt at home with
them. When it came time to walk out I put on my
Raqui smile and came out with pride.
Ten ladies in all and these ladies all making a move
toward saying. I am confident and happy with me.
The talents ranged from board breaking, singing,
dancing, spoken word, question and answer and more.
It really was amazing, I cheered on with all
the other contestants in the background for our
fellow participants.
No,
I didn't win but Jill did she did a really great
Evolution of Dance and since she lives in the area
she would be able to do something in the community
to help LBC become more well known. I was a
close runner up by about 2 points I was told.
Still I was happy as could be. I stood up with
my fellow plus sized sisters and we celebrated being
confident together not divided.
I
never saw myself competing against other women for a
title. But in this case having the courage to
see if this could be different meant a lot. I
didn't need a crown (I did get a cute one though)
I just needed to bond with my fellow plus sized
sisters. I had to feel like I was roaring with
them and for them. To touch others and be
touched by kindness. I got everything I needed
after I performed my spoken word piece. I
cried openly and strongly and I saw others were
crying with me. We united for a moment and the
many hugs I received were proof of that.
