Bailey Anne Kennedy has made history by becoming the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Maryland USA.
This accomplishment is a significant milestone in the pageant world.
 |
| @baileyannekennedy Instagram |
Bailey Anne Kennedy's journey to win this title is both inspiring and remarkable. She was born in Cambodia and immigrated to the United States in 2004. Over the years, she became a well-known figure in the pageantry community. Not only for her beauty and grace but also for her advocacy and strength towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Bailey married an active-duty U.S. Marine Corps officer named, Casey, in 2019. Her wedding took place in Pensacola Beach, Florida, representing the merging of her past and present. She looked stunning in a Vera Wang bridal gown, which perfectly combined elegance with her culture.
Kennedy also posted about her victory on Instagram
 |
| @baileyannekennedy Instagram |
She captioned the post :
"Not everyone has to agree with the spaces that you occupy, and it doesn’t mean that you aren’t worthy of these opportunities. 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 wrote.
"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."
Bailey Won Miss Maryland USA Against 95 Other Candidates
Bailey's path to the Miss Maryland USA crown was not without its challenges. She competed against 95 other candidates and won the title on June 1, 2024, at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.
In her victory speech, Bailey highlighted the significance of her win for LGBTQ+ youth, expressing hope that her success would inspire others who feel marginalized or boxed in by societal norms.
Her victory on Saturday was a "whirlwind because I knew it was bigger than me," she told Washington, D.C., TV station WDCW on Wednesday. "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 hopes her achievement will "open up some doors, open up some hearts for people to see that there are many aspects of LGBT community out there, and I hope I can be a positive contribution to society in making a difference like the USO program like I’m working with," she expressed.
 |
| @baileyannekennedy Instagram |
Kennedy mentioned feeling supported by the "sisterhood" of women who competed for Miss Maryland USA. At 31, she felt confident in her own skin, which is beyond the previous age limit of 28 — a restriction lifted by the Miss Universe Organization, allowing women of all ages to compete. Her platform, "Beauty Without an Expiration Date," highlights this inclusivity.
Bailey has been vocal about the importance of representation and inclusion throughout her reign. Her presence in the pageant circuit is a powerful reminder of the diverse beauty that exists within the LGBTQ+ community.
As she prepares to represent Maryland at Miss USA 2024 in Los Angeles, Bailey continues to use her platform to advocate for greater acceptance and understanding of transgender individuals.
Hope For LGBTQ+ Community
Bailey has broken down barriers and established a new standard for upcoming generations with her win as Miss Maryland USA. Her story of courage, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of aspirations can be seen throughout her journey. From Cambodia to the United States and now to the Miss USA national stage.
This is more than just a personal success, Bailey Anne Kennedy's crowning as Miss Maryland USA is a victory for everyone who values diversity, equality, and representation of one's true self. Her story will surely inspire a lot of people and open the door for future pageants to be more inclusive.
This victory shows her determination and the increasing recognition of transgender individuals in mainstream society.
Bailey is now in the national spotlight and continues to inspire LGBTQ+ individuals. This victory is a testament to the progress that can be made through perseverance and advocacy.