elyse noe on Instagram: "Top 12 at Miss USA, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I was able to stay true to myself from beginning to end. I'm honored to have stepped on the same stage as Cheslie. Her story and impact have had a lasting impact on my life. I am honored but I am sad. My heart breaks that we haven't learned from the devastating loss of Cheslie. Why do we continue to hurt and berate women for presenting their best, beautiful selves? Why do we deem women as unworthy based off of meaningless criteria? Why can't we celebrate and uplift women in pageantry? Why do we struggle with this? I have heard literally anything and everything about my appearance this past week (actually, the last few months) I have heard and seen it all. And I'm not going to lie, it gets to you sometimes. No one knows what I had to go through to get here. And that's ok. I did this for me. I don't care what you think about me or the other 50 women who walked away gracefully last night, we showed each other love and grace when we needed it the most. That's what I'm proud of. Those women. I don’t care if you think I’m “skinny” enough or “fat”, I don’t care if you like my walk or if I can plop down steps. The hugs and the laughing I shared last night mean more to me than meaningless comments on social media. These women have my heart.Here's to no sleep, trying to advocate for yourself, and cracking jokes with some of the most beautiful women in the country. And lastly, a huge congratulations to the new Miss USA." | Zootzle
