Though we have come leaps and bounds from the days of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, unrealistic expectations of women and their relation to beauty, femininity and tradition are still commonplace.

Erin O’Flaherty, hailing from Missouri, is challenging some of those stereotypes by competing in this weekend’s Miss America finale as the first openly lesbian candidate, according to a New York Times article. Her announcement joins the rank of other “firsts” in American beauty pageants, such as Vanessa Williams being the first African American woman to receive the crown in 1983. O’Flaherty, 23, will compete in Atlantic City on Sunday.

At first glance, the announcement triggers words like “groundbreaking” and “trail-blazing.” These reactions are certainly valid, particularly when members of the LGBT community are still violently persecuted.

It takes an enormous amount of courage to come out as a member of the LGBT community, and O’Flaherty is a brave individual. She is comfortable being herself on a stage where she is judged at a somewhat superficial level. Beyond that, she undeniably looks beautiful while doing so.

Her courage also extends to using her exalted popularity to have conversations that may make the average American uncomfortable. Yes, in today’s day and age, Americans are still uncomfortable talking about homosexual non-conforming relationships, and O’Flaherty is shedding light on this dark corner.

O’Flaherty emphasized that her sexual orientation is only one part of her individuality.

“I want to get the conversation away from my sexuality, and I hope that by the end of the year that will be the conversation we are having,” she told the Times. “I think other people tend to focus on it, but it is one small part of who I am and the work that I do. It is just as important for people to realize I am not one dimensional.” 

By discerning this important fact, she takes a further stand toward acceptance of those different from traditional norms. Conversations need to happen, but people also need to remain open-minded so those conversations can subside, replaced by normalcy.

Under closer examination, however, O’Flaherty’s stance raises concern.

O’Flaherty is a beautiful girl, but in a very traditional way. She is caucasian, with light eyes and a tiny waistline. In terms of traditional beauty standards, she is not pushing any boundaries. Yet, she is doing so as an openly lesbian woman. By fitting this “classic” mold of beauty in America, she is challenging stereotypical expectations of what lesbian individuals resemble. Stereotypes are harmful in any interpretation, and it is always a step in the right direction when one is demolished.

The fact of the matter is, this is still a beauty pageant. Women waltz down a runway in scant and/or tight clothing, parading their bodies to be scrutinized by a panel of judges. They are judged on appearance, not value. Miss America also still flaunts the swimsuit portion of the competition.

Beauty pageants have historically been focused on women showing off their bodies for men. O’Flaherty may not be doing this because of her sexual orientation, but she is still dressing to be judged. She may shift the male-focused gaze from the competitors, but there is still a gaze. Individuals should have the power and confidence to dress for themselves, competition or not.

The contest itself exists because of objectification. By standing on the Miss America stage, O’Flaherty levels the playing field, but only by proving that anyone can be objectified. That still doesn’t make it acceptable or appropriate in any way.

As long as there is a Miss America competition, women will be subjected to scrutiny based on their bodies.  O’Flaherty should be applauded for beginning necessary conversations, but the institution that is providing her a platform deserves no accolades. The Miss America competition is moving in the right direction of diversification, but it is still Miss America.