Keira Lindsay

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More than just a smile

Thursday, 13 November, 2025

In 2025, pageantry stands for so much more than just glitz and glamour, offering young women a platform to share their voices for a positive cause. First year student Keira Lindsay is at the forefront of this year’s pageant scene, after winning her home county title of Miss Dorset, and attending the national final of Miss Great Britain, she has recently walked away with the title of ‘Best Smile in Great Britain’.

But such an achievement at national level celebrates a more sentimental journey for Keira. Back in her early teens, following Covid, Keira suddenly developed Tourette’s syndrome. An interlinked phenomenon, she wasn’t alone in her diagnosis - as the aftermath of the pandemic saw an increase in a number of young women who started experiencing the onset of tics. In learning about the connection, Keira was inspired to share her story and help raise awareness and understanding around Tourette’s. She commented:

“I’d never done a pageant before, but I’ve always loved performing and expressing myself creatively, so that really stood out to me when I came across an advert for the Miss Dorset competition."

Keira continued:

"That mix of performance, empowerment and advocacy really drew me in. I saw pageantry as a chance not just to express myself, but also to raise awareness for my own cause, raise money for charity, use my voice to speak publicly and show up within my community.”

Since winning the title of Miss Dorset, Keira has become an official ambassador for Tourette’s Action, launching her own advocacy campaign Talk About Tics, aimed to encourage open conversation and challenge stigma around neurodiversity and disabilities. With the opportunity to spread awareness for Tourette’s as well as connecting with others advocating for similar causes, Keira has recently returned from the 80th Anniversary Final of Miss Great Britain where she secured the title of Best Smile in Great Britain, she said:

“Competing at the 80th Anniversary Final of Miss Great Britain was an unforgettable experience. There’s a real sense of shared purpose, even though we’re all advocating for different things. It wasn’t just about the stage or the gown it was about stepping into 80 years of history and seeing how much the competition has evolved to celebrate progress, compassion, and individuality.” 

Amongst balancing pageantry, Keira has also just started studying for her degree in Drama and Psychology, combining her love for performing on stage whilst also learning perspective on how to communicate and advocate for her cause. With the responsibilities that come with a title like Miss Dorset, it can be a full-time job managing both lifestyles. She commented:

“It’s okay to say no and knowing when to take a break if you need one; you can’t pour from an empty cup. Looking ahead, I’d love to keep combining my passions for performance and advocacy. For now, I’m focusing on my degree and continuing to raise awareness for Tourette’s.

I’m really proud to still be holding my title as Miss Dorset, and I’ve got lots of exciting plans for how I’ll continue using it over the coming months. From local charity work and school visits to community events and awareness projects. I want to keep using this platform to open conversations, celebrate individuality, and remind people that representation and kindness truly matter.”

You can find Keira on Instagram to see more of her journey. If you think a degree in Drama and Psychology may also be for you, why not have a look at our wide range of courses to see where your next adventure may start.