Bailey Anne Kennedy has made history as the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Maryland USA. Her win is particularly noteworthy as she is also the first Asian American and military wife to hold this title.

On June 1, at the pageant in Bethesda, Maryland, 31-year-old Kennedy achieved this remarkable feat. Shortly after her win, she expressed her thoughts on Instagram, reflecting on how her identity has shaped her journey and how she responds to critics.

In her heartfelt post, she said, “Not everyone has to agree with the spaces that you occupy, and it doesn’t mean that you aren’t worthy of these opportunities.” She added that her lifelong mission is to ensure that children who share her experiences don’t have to fear being themselves.

Kennedy’s advocacy extends beyond her own journey. She is a passionate supporter of military spouses, inspired by her own experience as the wife of a U.S. Marine. One of her significant platforms is the USO, a cause she actively promotes.

Speaking to DC News Now, Kennedy described her win as a “whirlwind,” acknowledging its broader significance for LGBTQ youths who feel marginalized. She also touched on the support she felt from her fellow competitors, which she described as a