Rachel Slawson is changing the game for pageantry.
After being crowned Miss Utah 2020, the 25-year-old is the first openly bisexual contestant to compete in Miss USA.
MORE: 5 black women redefining beauty as they reign in all major beauty pageants"I never really expected to be the first openly queer contestant," Slawson told "Good Morning America." "The fact that there's never been anyone out on Miss USA stage ever it's kind of surprising to me. I feel like this should have already happened."
While Slawson is making headlines for being the first to represent the LGBTQ community in the pageant's 68-year history, we caught up with her while she was getting ready for another first: New York Fashion Week.
"This is 15-year-old Rachel's biggest dream," said Slawson. "I always wanted to go to Fashion Week and I definitely have a little kid inside me that's freaking out."
Slawson was invited to sit front row at Cynthia Rowley's Fall 2020 fashion show.
"I think that they heard that I was the first openly queer contestant and they were really excited about that," said Slawson.
MORE: With no stylist or makeup artist, 'The Good Place' star Jameela Jamil takes on industry standards in HollywoodWhile the news of her sexuality has opened doors (and the front row at Fashion Week) for Slawson, she says that being queer is not a platform.
Slawson is focused on suicide prevention, and de-stigmatizing bipolar and mental health issues, topics close to her heart.
"The last time I attempted to end my life was actually after Miss Utah USA," Slawson said. "I was 19-years-old and was already struggling with mental health issues."
I've been in a psychiatric facility three times.That's more times than I've been to Coachella.
Slawson was diagnosed with bipolar disorder three times before she came to accept it.
MORE: Bill Nye, 'the Science Guy,' dances down the runway to Lizzo at New York Fashion Week"I've been in a psychiatric facility three times," Slawson told "GMA." "That's more times than I've been to Coachella."
Slawson said the stigma around bipolar disorder is part of why it took her so long to get treatment.
"Bipolar or any mental illness doesn't have to be the end of the road for you. If anything, it's just the beginning of a new chapter," she said.
Slawson's journey to self-love and self-acceptance inspired her #IAmWhy movement, a hashtag meant to encourage people on social media to share their stories and connect with one another.
"For me, I really believe that the person who is coming to save you is you," Slawson said. "It really takes a person willing to take that first step and ask for help, that's when you become your own superhero."
Not only is Miss Utah 2020 breaking barriers when it comes to talking about sexuality and mental health, she's a total badass while doing it.
Slawson said that being bisexual and being bipolar is what makes her beautiful and pageantry is not meant to glamorize that but normalize the conversation around it.
"I kind of view competing at Miss USA as a very sparkly TEDx Talk," said Slawson. "As I touch on topics that are so heavy, being able to do that with glittery lipstick on, that's great. I think we need more of that."
As Slawson finished up her hair and makeup, all that was left was to slip into her Cynthia Rowley design.
But, of course, no pageant girl's outfit would be complete without her sash.
When asked if she would win Miss USA, Slawson said, "Yes, that's the plan."
MORE: Camille Kostek: My first New York Fashion WeekFirst New York Fashion Week, then Miss USA ... what can't this beauty queen do?
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 [TALK] for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even if it feels like it -- you are not alone.
