Trans Woman Bailey Anne Kennedy Wins Miss Maryland USA: Know More

On June 1, Saturday, Bailey Anne Kennedy, made history when she won at the end of the pageant in Bethesda, Maryland. She is also the first Asian American and military wife to win the title. The 31-year-old, who moved to the  United States from Cambodia when she was eleven years old, said she was inspired to compete in beauty pageants after last year Miss USA lifted restrictions on contestants who are married and over the age 28. She took home the state championship last week, and she celebrated it in the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, D.C. on Saturday.

In an Instagram Post, on Tuesday, June 4 Bailey opened up about how her identity has played a role in her career, writing candidly about how she deals with negativity. She said, "Not everyone has to agree with the spaces that you occupy, and it doesn’t mean that you aren’t worthy of these opportunities," she began the post, alongside a photo of herself tearing up as she won the competition. The work that I will do for the remainder of my life is to make sure that children who feel like me will never have to worry about the consequences of being who they are by simply being myself and being a positive contribution to society.”

She added, “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 & personal details, don’t matter. I can't wait to start my reign and get back to the USO office, and start serving lunches & personally thank our active duty service members like I originally plan to yesterday because that’s what actually matters to me.”

Kennedy is married to an active duty member of the U.S. Marine Corps and has been an advocate for military spouses, and has cited the USO as one of her platforms.

Also Read: Check Varun Dhawan's Reaction On Munjya's Success