A Marine's wife has become the first-ever transgender Miss Maryland USA, inspired by the "sisterhood" of other pageant contestants. Bailey Anne Kennedy, 31, won the title on Saturday, as announced on the official Miss Maryland USA Instagram account. She is now set to compete in Miss USA, which will take place in Los Angeles on August 4.
Kennedy told WDCW during an interview that the victory was a "whirlwind because 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," she explained. Kennedy hopes her achievement will "open up some doors and hearts, allowing people to recognize the diversity within the LGBT community.
" She aims to make a positive impact on society, similar to her efforts with the USO program she is involved in. According to her website, Kennedy was inspired to enter pageants after her marriage in 2019. "When I turned 30, The Miss Universe Organization lifted the traditional marital status and age restrictions.
I knew it was a sign from the Universe that they are ready to crown an older, military spouse like myself," the write-up explained. "Although this is such a small effort, I could only imagine the magnitude of my action on a state level, national level or even on the international level if I win the title to represent USA, the beautiful country to which I owe so much," she added. "As a military spouse and as a proud trans woman, I hope.