OAN’s James Meyers
8:10 AM – Friday, June 7, 2024
Bailey Anne became the first transgender to win the Miss Maryland USA contest. Anne becomes the first transgender to hold the title, along with being the first Asian-American and the first “military officer’s wife” to represent the state.
According to the Miss Maryland USA Instagram account, the winner works with the U.S. military’s United Service Organizations (USO), which is a Department of Defense entity that boosts troop morale.
In an interview with DC News Now, Anne said after realizing he would be crowned 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.”
“I felt confident in my own skin at 31, which is past the old age limit, which is 28 — as you know Miss Universe Organization lift the restriction now — so every woman of all ages can compete.”
Anne also said that he “hopes that it 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.”
The winner will now be headed to Los Angeles to compete for the Miss USA title, which is scheduled to take place on August 4th.
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