Being Deaf Does Not Make One Less Human – Miss Samoa contestant Miracle Afele

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 30 AUGUST 2023:  As if running as a contestant with disability in a beauty pageant is not easy, 26 year old Miracle Afele has already been marginalized as a contestant in the upcoming Digicel Miss Samoa Pageant 2023.

While many have congratulated and commended her courage in taking a bold step to compete, others have accused the pageant organisers for allowing a person with disability to participate.

Miracle is deaf and she believes that her disability does not make her less human or unaware of her surroundings and the criticisms.

Speaking to Talamua as the pageant activities start to roll out this week, Miracle laid out the reasons, the inspiration, motivation and hopes that prompted her decision to join the pageant.

“As a person with a disability, I face a lot of challenges especially in school and church but I want to be included fully, and I do that through sign language interpreters,” said Miracle.

“This is why I was motivated to be part of this year’s pageant, to break barriers by changing people’s perceptions and stereotyping,” she said.

The Miss Samoa platform is a public avenue ideal for what Miracle has in mind.

Miracle Afele among the other Miss Samoa pageant contestants.

“I want to encourage others, especially the people of Samoa to be more open minded and be more inclusive of others  who are different, which includes individuals such as myself,” she said.

She wishes for people to render the same respect they give to normal people to people with disabilities.

“It does not matter if I have a disability, I want to be included in society as everyone else,” she said.

She also hopes that the Pageant’s two week program is ample time for her to encourage and empower young women who are deaf or with a disability to be more involved in society despite their disabilities.

I am more empowered now
Whilst Miracle’s excitement has no boundaries she is already feeling the pressure of social media attacks.

“Some people have already made mean, degrading comments about why a deaf  girl is using  the  word “gūgū”  to define me, and is taking part  in the pageant,” said Miracle.

Miracle’s belief and perseverance in making a difference has driven her further.

“Yes, it is true, I see people looking at me and maybe I should feel depressed, but no, I am okay. Just because I’m deaf does not mean that I’m not equal. I can compete in the pageant and I am the same as everyone else even with my disability,” said Miracle.

She said that if she was to become the next Miss Samoa, she would use the opportunity to advocate for equality for all and continue to encourage the inclusion of women with disabilities in all aspects of life.

“It is okay to be different and everyone has rights- equal rights to be a part of society and this world,” she said.

Sisterhood of understanding
But she has been warmly accepted in their journey and fellowship by her ‘sister’ contestants.

“It is always good, they come and greet me and never treat me differently and their smiles make me so excited and warm,” she said.

Hailing from urban Siusega and Tufutafoe village on the western very end of Savaii Island, Miracle loves Samoan siva and smiles when asked about her talent for the night.

She is a TVET officer with SENESE and is currently a student at the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) majoring in Foundation Skills & Knowledge (FSK).

She acknowledged her family, friends, her sponsor – the Samoa Association of Sign Language Interpreters and gave special thanks to the Miss Samoa Committee for accepting her.