Who is Bailey Anne Kennedy? A sneak peek into life of first trans woman to win Miss Maryland USA
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND: On June 1, Bailey Anne Kennedy was crowned Miss Maryland USA, making history in multiple ways. She became the first transgender woman to hold the title, the first Asian American winner, the first woman over the age of 28 to win, and the first spouse of a military service member to do so.
Kennedy also participated in the subsequent Miss USA pageant on August 4. Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii crowned Alma Cooper of Michigan at the end of the event.
Bailey Anne Kennedy breaks barriers
Kennedy, 32, hails from Montgomery County, Maryland, and is passionate about making a positive impact. “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,” she told People.
At age 11, Kennedy emigrated from Cambodia to Silver Spring, Maryland, with her family. Initially, she found the transition challenging as she didn’t know how to read, speak, or write English. However, she adapted and thrived in her new environment.
“That's important for people to know,” Kennedy said, “that immigrants can dive into the unknown and come out successful in the end.” She attributes her resilience and work ethic to her blue-collar parents, saying, “I feel like I’m living the American Dream.”
View this post on Instagram
From a young age, Kennedy had been captivated by beauty pageants on TV and dreamt of becoming a contestant. “I used to pray about it, and I didn't think it would come true to fruition,” she said. “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," she added.
Last year, the Miss Universe Organization changed its rules to allow women over 28 to compete. Kennedy seized this opportunity and, at 31, won the Miss Maryland USA title in her first-ever pageant.
“No matter how old you are,” Kennedy told People, “you can start late [in life], look different, be uncertain, and still somehow succeed.” Reflecting on her journey, she added, “You're never too old or too late to restart and recompose and find your next calling.”
Bailey Anne Kennedy's emotional victory
Kennedy recalled the overwhelming emotions she felt when she made the top five in the Miss Maryland USA pageant. “I couldn’t stop crying,” she said, “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 added, “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.”
As the spouse of a U.S. Marine, Kennedy has been an active supporter of the United Service Organization (USO), working as a volunteer representative. She helped implement a children's book reading program at a USO center, where she read inspiring books to children.
“I used to say to them the impossible is always possible. Now I have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk,” she said. Kennedy aspires to become a USO Global Ambassador.
Cheerleading experience and personal favorites
Previously, Kennedy was a rookie trainee cheerleader for the Washington Commanders’ First Ladies of Football program. “It was amazing!” she said of the experience. “I got to perform at the Fillmore Silver Spring, which is a venue that I used to pass by growing up. I also got to partake in the halftime show New Year’s Eve game with the Giants!”
Although not a die-hard football fan, she cherishes memories with her grandfather. “I remember my grandfather (we called him “Gung Gung”) would make me sit to watch the Commanders every game with him!” she said. "He was a big fan. So I knew I made him proud by choosing to be a part of the First Ladies of Football!”
According to her Miss Maryland USA bio, Kennedy’s favorite holiday is the Fourth of July, just three days before her birthday. Her favorite foods include Mahachanok, a crunchy mango from Thailand, and New York-style cheesecake. She loves lilies and orchids and is a proud pet owner of two Goldendoodles named Captain Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann, according to People.
