In addition to being the first transgender woman to win Miss Maryland USA, Bailey Anne Kennedy became the first Asian American and first woman over the age 28 to earn the coveted crownShe emigrated from Cambodia to Maryland when she was 11Married to a member of the Marine Corps, Kennedy is a volunteer representative for the USO
When Bailey Anne Kennedy was crowned Miss Maryland USA on June 1, she made history multiple times. Not only was she the first transgender woman to hold the title, she also became the first Asian American and first woman over the age of 28 to win — as well as the first spouse of military service member.
Now she has her sights on becoming the next Miss USA when a winner is crowned on Sunday, August 4. “My goal is to leave a positive impact behind so that I can make it easier for those with similar upbringings and clear up any misconceptions about ‘stay-at-home’ military wives, the LGBTQIA+ community and immigrants of a particular age,” Kennedy, 32, who hails from Montgomery County, tells PEOPLE.
Ahead of the pageant. which will air on the CW, here are some things to know about the reigning Miss Maryland USA.
She Is Originally from Cambodia
At age 11, Kennedy emigrated with her family from Cambodia to Silver Spring, Md. She tells PEOPLE that living in a different country was initially a culture shock for her as someone who didn’t know how to read, speak or write English, but that she eventually learned to adapt to her new surroundings.
“That’s important for people to know,” Kennedy says, “that immigrants can dive into the unknown and come out successful in the end.” Additionally, she credits her blue-collar parents for instilling their work ethic and immigrant tenacity into her: “I feel like I’m living the American Dream.”
She Grew Up Watching Beauty Pageants
Kennedy had been watching beauty pageants on TV since childhood and always dreamed of becoming a contestant one day.
“I used to pray about it, and I didn’t think it would come true to fruition,” she says. “Now that it’s happening, it feels surreal. It hadn’t truly sunken at that time. At times, I have to sleep next to my crown just to make sure that it’s happening.”
Miss Maryland USA Bailey Anne Kennedy.
GrantFoto
Her Motto Is “Beauty Without an Expiration Date”
Last year, the Miss Universe Organization changed their rules, which allowed women over 28 to compete. And in June, as she competed in her first-ever pageant, Kennedy won the Miss Maryland USA title at the age of 31.
The win is a perfect example of her mantra, which is that beauty doesn’t have an expiration date.
“No matter how old you are,” Kennedy tells PEOPLE, “you can start late [in life], look different, be uncertain and still somehow succeed.” Kennedy, who once dreamed of becoming a doctor, adds, “You’re never too old or too late to restart and recompose and find your next calling.”
She Is Blazing a Path for the LGBTQ+ Community
When she made the top five in the Miss Maryland USA pageant in June, Kennedy realized the enormity of potentially winning the crown.
“I couldn’t stop crying,” Kennedy recalls when she claimed the title, “because I remember how special it is for the LGBTQIA+ community – especially all of those children who grew up not seeing someone that looks and sounds like them – in this particular desirable position.”
She adds, “I was one of them, and this is why I always strive to make a good contribution to society because I want to make it easier for those who come after me.”
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She’s an Advocate for Military Spouses and Their Families
The spouse of a member of the U.S. Marines, Kennedy has been an avid supporter of the United Service Organization (USO) through her work as a volunteer representative. ”I helped one of my directors at a center implement a children’s book reading program where I came in and read many inspiring books to children,” she says. “I used to say to them the impossible is always possible. Now I have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.” She aspires to become a USO Global Ambassador.
She Was Once a Trainee Cheerleader for the Washington Commanders
Previously, Kennedy was a rookie trainee cheerleader for a season under the Washington Commanders’ First Ladies of Football program. “It was amazing!” she recalls of the experience.
“I got to perform at the Fillmore Silver Spring, which is a venue that I used to pass by growing up,” she says. “I also got to partake in the halftime show New Year’s Eve game with the Giants!”
Although not a die-hard football fan, Kennedy loves cheering. “I remember my grandfather (we called him “Gung Gung”) would make me sit to watch the Commanders every game with him!” she says,” she says. “He was a big fan. So I knew I made him proud by choosing to be a part of the First Ladies of Football!”
Her Favorites Range from Cheesecake to Lilies to “Fur Babies”
According to her Miss Maryland USA bio, Kennedy’s favorite holiday is the Fourth of July, which is three days before her birthday.
Some of her favorite foods include Mahachanok (a crunchy mango from Thailand) and New York-styled cheesecake (“non-negotiable,” she says). In addition to having an affinity for lilies and orchids, she and her husband are the proud owners of their adorable “fur babies”: two Goldendoodles named Captain Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann.
The 73rd Miss USA Pageant will air live on The CW on Sunday, Aug. 4.
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Publish date : 2024-08-01 05:46:00
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