Local News
The story set in Maryland last weekend. Bailey Anne Kennedy crowned Miss Maryland USA 2024; It is the first time that a trans woman has won the honor.
“Not everyone has to agree with the spaces you occupy, and that doesn’t mean you’re not worthy of those opportunities,” Kennedy wrote in an Instagram post, recapping the victory. “To make sure that children who feel like me never have to worry about the consequences of being who they are simply for being myself and making a positive contribution to society. “
Kennedy was also the first Asian-American and transgender user married to a U. S. Marine to win in Maryland.
“I look forward to beginning my reign and returning to the USO office, beginning serving lunches, and personally thanking our active-duty military as I originally planned yesterday, because that is what matters to me,” Kennedy wrote. “I knew it was bigger than me, I knew it would mean a lot to all LGBTQ kids who might feel like they didn’t belong in a box, like I did as a kid.
Kennedy is 31 years old, which is up from the previous age limit of 28 for the competition.
Kennedy is now expected to compete for the name Miss USA in Los Angeles on Aug. 4.
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