Semi-finalist 2019, Non-finalist Miss California USA 2018, Semi-finalist Miss Utah USA 2017, Non-finalist 2015, Non-finalist 2014
A native of Salt Lake City, Rachel Slawson was crowned Miss Utah USA on 18 January 2020 and represented Utah at the Miss USA 2020 pageant in Memphis, Tennessee. Rachel made history as the first bisexual contestant to compete at Miss USA.
Rachel Slawson is making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to compete at Miss USA. She is a public speaker for TedX and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and a Certified Crisis Counselor. Through her transparent storytelling of lived experience with Bipolar Disorder, she is eradicating mental health stigma.​
Rachel trained internationally as an actor, writer, vocal artist, and improv comedian. Her life is fueled by her passion for art and adventure. She’s taught English in India, modeled in Paris, learned Muay Thai in Thailand, provided healthcare in Kenya, and helped build an orphanage in Haiti.
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Rachel’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
Rachel competed four times at Miss Utah USA before she won, as well as once at Miss California USA (although I don’t have any photos from Cali). She was one of ten 2020 contestants to have competed in California previously.
All beautiful things must come to an end, no matter how bittersweet. See Rachel’s farewell walk and other candids from the weekend she crowned her successor JessiKate Riley as Miss Utah USA 2021.