The Miss Maryland USA beauty pageant has crowned Bailey Anne Kennedy as its first-ever transgender winner. Kennedy, a biological male who masquerades as a woman, will progress to the Miss USA competition scheduled for August 4 in Los Angeles.
Kennedy, who is married to a Marine, is also the first military officer’s spouse to win the title. Speaking to local news station WDCW, Kennedy described the experience as a “whirlwind” and oddly focused on targeting kids.
“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,” Kennedy said.
“This 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 that I’m working with,” Kennedy stated.
Kennedy has been actively engaged with the USO and other organizations supporting active-duty military members.
“For the longest time, I never had the need to tell anyone. Not because it’s a secret, but it’s none of anyone’s business. To those who matter to me, they don’t care. Those that care about knowing such private and personal details don’t matter,” Kennedy wrote.
The Miss USA pageant is no stranger to transgender contestants; in 2021, Kataluna Enriquez won Miss Nevada USA. The winner of the Miss USA pageant will compete in Miss Universe, which will take place on September 28 in Mexico.