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Bailey Anne Kennedy made history on June 1, 2024, by becoming the first transgender woman crowned Miss Maryland USA. The event, held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, saw her setting multiple records.
She is also the first military spouse and the first Asian American to win this title. After her victory, Bailey spoke with Washington D.C. TV station WDCW about the moment she was announced as the winner:
"It was a whirlwind because I knew it was bigger than me. I knew that it was going to mean a lot for all the LGBTQ kids out there who might feel like they don't belong in a box - like me growing up."
She continued:
"I hope my win will open up some doors, open up some hearts for people to see that there are many aspects of the LGBT community out there, and I hope I can be a positive contribution to society in making a difference like the USO program like I'm working with.”
Bailey Anne Kennedy is a 31-year-old transgender woman, who is of Cambodian-American descent. Apart from Kennedy, Marina Machete was also the first transgender woman to win Miss Portugal. Thereafter, Rikkie Valerie Kollé also became the first transgender woman to become Miss Netherlands.
Bailey Anne Kennedy will now compete for the Miss USA Crown in Los Angeles in August 2024
As Bailey Anne Kennedy won the prestigious trans-Miss Maryland USA title, she has now announced that she will be participating in the Miss USA pageant, which will also open the doors for Miss Universe.
Talking about “her wins”, she mentioned in an interview with Washington, D.C., TV station WDCW:
“I hope my win will open up some doors, open up some hearts for people to see that there are many aspects of the LGBT community out there, and I hope I can be a positive contribution to society in making a difference like the USO program like I’m working with.”
Furthermore, she also spoke about “being confident” in her skin and stated that even though she is 31 years old, she is delighted to participate in the various pageants as the Miss Universe Organization has lifted the restriction from 28 years old. As per WWD, any woman above the age of 18 years can take part in the pageant.
Bailey Anne Kennedy said:
"I felt confident in my own skin at 31, which is past the old age limit, which is 28 - as you know, Miss Universe Organization lifted the restriction now - so every woman of all ages can compete."
As Miss Maryland was held on June 1, 2024, it was not just Bailey who made history. Sara Milliken, a plus-sized woman won the Miss Alabama 2024. As many women of different backgrounds ace their way into the world of pageantry, social media users are all praises for the national beauty pageant.
