A biological male who goes by the name Bailey Anne Kennedy won the Miss Maryland USA pageant.
Kennedy will go on to participate in the Los Angeles competition for Miss USA.
Kennedy told local news outlet DC News Now that the victory was a “whirlwind” because the competition 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.”
The thirty-one-year-old, the oldest participant, hopes the crown 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 Federalist expressed concerns that Kennedy will be in “close proximity to many children and especially young girls as a Miss Maryland USA pageant winner.”
Transgender individuals have participated in several female-centric pageant competitions.
Last year, biological male Rikkie Kolle defeated nine women to gain the title of “Miss Netherlands.”
The first “trans woman” was similarly crowned Miss Portugal in October.
“Proud to be the first trans woman to compete for the title of Miss Universe Portugal,” Marina Machete posted on Instagram. “For years it was not possible for me to participate and today I am proud to be part of this incredible group of finalists.”