Miss Maryland Crowned Transgender Woman, Miss Alabama Faces Cyberbullying
This year’s Miss USA pageant, owned by the Miss Universe organization, is making headlines with unprecedented milestones. Bailey Anne Kennedy, a transgender woman, was crowned Miss Maryland, marking the first time a transgender contestant has won the title. At 31, she is older than the average pageant queen and identifies as a “military wife.” Kennedy competed as Miss Williamsport (Md) USA.
In another notable event, Sarah Milliken, crowned Miss Alabama, has faced significant cyberbullying due to her size. Milliken’s larger physique has set her apart from traditional beauty pageant contestants, prompting a wave of online harassment since her win.
The Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA pageants are now owned by a transgender entrepreneur from Thailand
In 2023, the Miss Universe organization expanded its inclusivity by allowing women who are or have been married, as well as those who are pregnant or have children, to compete at all levels. Contestants must identify as female, as recognized medically and legally in the United States. This follows the precedent set by Miss Spain, Ángela Ponce, the first transgender contestant in Miss Universe history, who competed in 2018.
The Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA pageants are now owned by a transgender entrepreneur from Thailand, who purchased the organization in 2022, further emphasizing the pageant’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Miss Alaska USA 2024
Brenna Schaake, from Fairbanks, was crowned Miss Alaska USA 2024 on June 1. She will represent Alaska at the Miss USA 2024 pageant in Hollywood, California, during the week of August 4. Schaake works as an external affairs supervisor for Kinross Gold Corporation and is an active member of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.
These historic firsts underscore the evolving nature of beauty pageants and their increasing embrace of diversity and inclusion, reflecting broader societal changes.