Achi news desk-
For 72 years, the Miss Universe Canada pageant was limited to women between the ages of 18 and 28.
This year that rule has been lifted to allow women over the age of 28 to compete. It was news that Lorraine Peters, who was born in St Stephen, DS, has been waiting her whole life, and at the age of 58 she is preparing to compete in the national event with plans to win.
“It was almost like something I always knew was going to happen happened,” Peters said of learning she had been selected as one of 64 women across the country to compete for the Miss Universe Canada 2024 title.
Peters, who now lives in Rothesay, NB, has been competing in pageants since she was 15, with multiple wins under her belt. She is the first women over the age of 28 to compete in the contest, where she plans to use the platform to spread her message.
“Which is to have the courage, and the confidence to pursue whatever you want,” says Peters. “And age has nothing to do with that.”
She says that pageants are much more than just the evening gown and bathing suit catwalks, noting that the most essential part of the week-long pageant (starting on July 20) is the personality interview. Peters will have to be prepared to answer questions on any topic ranging from pop culture to what his favorite pizza is and why.
Peters has been spending a few hours every day preparing herself for anything that might come her way. Her wisdom, energy and high level of enthusiasm she says she brings to the table will be of great benefit to the younger women competing, and she is ready to break down barriers on a national stage.
“Older women cannot allow themselves to be relegated to the shadows,” says Peters. “Being made to feel that you are not worthy, that you are not of the moment, that you have nothing of this age to add, and that your value is diminished because of your age, which is all fundamentally. false
“I really want to be that voice that can make women of any age look and go, ‘Okay, okay, I get this.'”
Her son Ryan Gilmore believes his mother has a great shot at the upcoming event. He says she’s one of the best representatives Miss Universe Canada has, and he’s looking forward to seeing her prove why age is just a number.
“It’s going to bring a different dynamic to the whole overall atmosphere of the event,” Gilmore said. “And there is no one better to spread a message of not giving up and keep pushing no matter what than my mother.”
Maria Giorlando is an online pageant coach who has worked with Peters in the past. She says the fact that Peters qualified for the event is proof that leaders can come in all shapes and sizes.
“Our whole world, our country, will be so much better when women realize they have a story to share, and they have people they can affect across all ages,” said Giorlando.
She believes that Peters will be an inspiration not only to a woman over 28 who has a desire to compete in pageants, but to a woman who wants to go into any career or field that was previously discouraged by “norms social.”
“The only obstacles they put up are the ones they put on themselves,” Giorlando said. “Rules are changing all the time, our world is evolving, the pageant industry is moving forward and you don’t want to be the last to do all those things. We get to be first and if someone hasn’t done it that’s your cue to be the first person to do it. That’s exactly what Lorraine does.”
Her current trainer Ally Bowen is the owner of Fit to Sparkle Queens. She says Peters is a pleasure to work alongside and a true professional when it comes to pageant preparation.
Like Giorlando, Bowen also believes that Peters will empower other women who may be afraid or second-guess that they can do something like this later in life.
“I think what she’s saying is, ‘Come on, ladies, we live once,'” Bowen said. “So why not live those dreams or take that chance or even if you feel it’s a risk for you to do it because of what others might think or others say, it still worth it for you to do.”
Bowen also points out that contestants often talk about things they would like to do and achieve in life.
“With Lorraine at that stage of life that she is in she has achieved many of her goals,” said Bowen. “She’s been able to bring a lot of wisdom and history to the table for the success she’s had, the obstacles she’s had to overcome, and how I believe she going to be the face of a new modern woman.”
Which is a big part of what Peters hopes to achieve by going to the Miss Universe Canada 2024 pageant, and hopefully winning and representing Canada in the Miss Universe Pageant this November in Mexico.
“It’s going to expand my ability to reach a wider audience of women,” Peters said. “So that I can continue to talk to them about being brave enough to do hard things, and build the skills of resilience and confidence that they never give up on their goals, ambitions and dreams.
The finals will be held on July 27 in Windsor, ON, a day before Peters celebrates her 59th birthday, hopefully with a brand new crown on her head.
