For the first time, a transgender woman has won the Miss Maryland USA beauty pageant.
Bailey Ann Kennedy, from Montgomery County, Maryland, was crowned on June 1 by her predecessor, Savena Msinji.
Following the historic win, the model took to Instagram to express her excitement and gratitude for the milestone achievement.
“Maryland, my heart remains filled with #prideandjoy! Life often throws big surprises and we couldn’t help but show the universe how grateful we are that sometimes the underdogs win in the end,” she wrote on June 2.
“Congratulations to all the sisters who represented Maryland so beautifully last night.”
Kennedy’s win not only broke barriers for LGBTQIA+ people, but also made her the first Asian American woman, the first immigrant, the first military spouse and the first woman over 28 years old to win the title of Miss Maryland USA.
Over the past few weeks, the 32-year-old beauty has had no trouble adapting to her new role, appearing on various TV shows and attending several Pride celebrations.
In a recent interview with ABC News at the Baltimore Pride Parade, Kennedy described his title and elevated position as an “honor.”
“Being in this position and being able to impact my community, especially the LGBTQIA+ community, military spouses and immigrant women, is something I never would have dreamed of,” she said proudly.
She also spoke about taking home the crown of Miss Maryland USA as her first pageant contestant.
“I knew winning this competition would be a big thing for me, and ultimately it would mean more to my community, the LGBTQIA+ community, military spouses and immigrant girls,” she added.
“I hope this piece will send a message to everyone and be a wonderful invitation to be yourself and carve your own path, even if you are blind.”
While Kennedy has experienced immense joy and gratitude, he has also faced hatred from anti-LGBTQIA+ bigots.
Luckily, she told news outlets that she isn’t getting discouraged by the backlash and is only focusing on the positive feedback and support.
“Instead of all the negativity, I get twice the positive feedback and I have a community that always supports me,” she continued.
“I just want to focus on the positive things I have and give them attention and respect. I hope I can make them proud. At the end of the day, that’s all I can do.”
At the end of the interview, the USO representative spoke about her hopes for the future, adding, “At the end of the day, I just want people to see my heart.”
Kennedy is the newly crowned Miss Maryland USA and will compete in the Miss USA 2024 pageant on August 4 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.
