Miss Maryland USA: Bailey Anne Kennedy makes history as first-ever trans winner
For the first time, a trans woman has won the Miss Maryland USA beauty pageant. Bailey Anne Kennedy, who hails from Montgomery County in Maryland, was crowned on 1 June by her predecessor, Savena Mushinge.
Following her historic win, the model took to Instagram to express her excitement and gratitude for the groundbreaking achievement. “Maryland, my heart is still filled with #Pride and joy!
Oftentimes, life caught us by a big surprise and we couldn’t help but to show it back to The Universe how grateful we are that sometimes the underdog does win in the end,” she wrote on 2 June. “Congratulations to all of my sisters who represented Maryland so beautifully last night.” In addition to breaking down LGBTQIA+ barriers, Kennedy’s win has made her the first Asian American woman, the first immigrant, the first spouse of a military officer and the first woman over the age of 28 to earn the Miss Maryland USA title.
Over the last few weeks, the 32-year-old beauty has effortlessly stepped into her new role, making appearances on various television programs and walking in a handful of Pride celebrations.
