I have mixed emotions about this story. But I'll link to it, nonetheless.

It concerns the current Miss Maryland USA contestant, Bailey Anne Kennedy, who competed in the national Miss USA pageant.

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/08/04/miss-michigan-alma-cooper-wins-miss-usa-2024/

Now, I'm not a fan of "beauty contests." I believe they are a relic of a past mindset that has prevailed far too long into our time. But I'm not going to rail on that right now. I choose to celebrate the accomplishment of Baily Anne in her chosen arena.

Spoiler alert! She didn't win. Instead, it was a cis woman, Miss Michigan USA, Alma Cooper, who won. Good on her. I just about always pull for fellow Michiganders, even if it is in something I really don't care about.

Back to Bailey Anne. I mentioned her in a post some time back when she first won the Maryland crown. She is Cambodian-American, making her journey even more impressive.

And in a weird way, her acceptance as the Miss Maryland winner is a tiny step forward toward acceptance of all transgender people in all aspects of society. For that, she deserves recognition and our congratulations.

One small step for a transgender woman. One giant leap for humankind.

--- Anni