Bailey Anne Kennedy, a transgender woman, made history by winning the Miss Maryland USA pageant, becoming the first Asian American and military spouse to do so. Kennedy expressed that her victory was not just about herself, but also about breaking down barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel like they do not fit into traditional societal norms. Despite some backlash from conservative groups, the pageant organizers fully supported Kennedy, emphasizing that everyone has the right to live authentically and pursue opportunities regardless of gender identity. Kennedy’s win reflects a shift towards inclusivity in beauty pageants, with transgender women being welcomed into the competition since 2012.
While some MAGA supporters criticized Kennedy’s win, they seemed to overlook the fact that former president Donald Trump himself had supported a transgender contestant competing in the Miss Universe pageant during his ownership of the organization. Trump’s decision to allow a transgender woman to participate in the pageant in 2012 demonstrated a level of acceptance that his supporters now seem to have forgotten. The backlash against Kennedy’s win highlights ongoing debates about the inclusion of transgender individuals in beauty pageants, with some countries imposing restrictions based on gender assigned at birth.
Kennedy’s victory adds to a growing list of transgender women who have made significant strides in the pageant world. Kataluna Enriquez made history by winning the Miss Nevada USA crown in 2021, while Rikkie Valerie Kollé became the first transgender woman to win Miss Netherlands in 2023. Despite these achievements, transgender contestants continue to face challenges and backlash in various competitions, as seen in Italy’s ban on transgender women competing for pageant titles. The differing state laws and regulations regarding gender identity underscore the need for more inclusive policies in the pageant industry.
The Miss Universe Organization, which includes Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, is currently owned by JKN Global Group and Legacy Holding Group USA Inc. While the organization has made strides towards inclusivity by allowing transgender competitors, the backlash against Kennedy’s win highlights the ongoing challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face in breaking down societal barriers. Kennedy’s victory serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of gender identity. As society continues to evolve and embrace diversity, it is essential for organizations to uphold values of inclusivity and support for individuals from all backgrounds.
