When people think of Halloween, they often think of costumes, candy and spooky fun. But for me, Halloween has always meant more—it has been a time to celebrate individuality, creativity and community. This year, as I compete in the national Face of Halloween competition, I am proud to share not just a costume or a look, but also my story, my purpose and my passion.
I am a proud trans woman from Mississippi, and for me, visibility and representation matter. Growing up, I didn’t always see myself reflected in the stories around me, especially not in the world of pageants, competitions or mainstream media. To now stand in a national contest, being voted on and supported, is a reminder of how far I’ve come and how far our communities can go when we uplift one another.
The Face of Halloween competition isn’t just about dressing up—it’s about embodying the spirit of transformation, creativity and fearlessness. Those qualities mirror my own life journey. Transitioning taught me the power of becoming and of embracing who you are, even when the world tells you to hide. Halloween, in many ways, has always been a holiday that allows people to explore identity and transformation. For me, it’s symbolic of my own courage to show the world my truest self, not just on Halloween, but every day.
This competition also allows me to stand for something bigger than myself. By participating, I’m not only showcasing my creativity but also raising awareness and support for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Its mission to bring joy and comfort to children facing medical challenges is deeply moving. Knowing that my participation contributes to something that brightens lives gives this experience real meaning. Every vote cast in this competition is more than support for me—it’s a vote for making a difference in the lives of children and families who need hope and light.
Being in the top rankings has already shown me the power of community. Friends, family and even people I’ve never met have rallied behind me. That kind of support is humbling and it motivates me to keep going. It reminds me of the importance of representation—not just for myself, but for young trans girls, for people in Mississippi and for anyone who has ever felt unseen. I want them to know that opportunities like this exist and that they, too, deserve to take up space, to be celebrated and to shine.
The Face of Halloween contest has also been a journey of self-discovery. It has pushed me to dig deeper into my story and think about how to share it with the world. Often, when people look at contests or competitions, they only see the surface level. But underneath, there is a person with hopes, dreams and a mission. My mission is to use platforms like this to inspire, to show that authenticity is powerful, and to prove that when you embrace your truth, you can open doors for others.
Ultimately, this experience is not just about winning a title. It’s about celebrating identity, community, and purpose. It’s about proving that Halloween isn’t just for masks—it’s for unmasking, for showing the world who you truly are. My story is one of resilience, transformation and hope. And that’s why this competition means so much to me.
As I continue on this journey, I am grateful for every person who takes the time to vote, to share or to simply cheer me on. Your support is a reminder that together, we can uplift stories that deserve to be told and causes that deserve to be championed. The Face of Halloween is more than a contest—it’s a celebration of all of us in our uniqueness, creativity and power. And I’m honored to be part of it.
This MFP Voices opinion essay reflects the personal opinion of its author(s). The column does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.
