Everyone is wondering: who is Bailey Anne Kennedy? About which there is so much fuss. Many are interested to know about her, the first transgender woman who won Miss Maryland.
Bailey Anne Kennedy, 32, won the title of Miss Maryland USA on June 1, 2024. She is a determined transgender woman who has overcome numerous challenges to achieve this position. Bailey shares her journey occasionally on her Instagram account.
Now, Bailey Anne aims to take her achievements even higher by competing for Miss USA. The 73rd Miss USA Pageant will be held on Sunday, August 4, with the event airing live on The CW.
After winning Miss Maryland USA, she wrote on her Instagram, “I hope [my pageant win] will open up some doors. Open up some hearts for people to see that there are many aspects of the LGBT community out there, and I hope I can be a positive contribution to society in making a difference like the USO program I’m working with.”
Bailey Anne Miss Maryland USA Biography
Bailey Anne came to Silver Spring, MD, USA from Cambodia with the help of her grandfather. Who played a significant role in her life. She mentioned that adjusting to a new country, language, and culture was challenging, but she successfully learned to speak and write English.
“It’s important for people to know,” Kennedy says, “that immigrants can dive into the unknown and come out successful in the end.”
Bailey Anne had been watching Miss USA, Miss Maryland USA, and other shows on TV since childhood, hoping that one day she would participate. Her dream finally came true.
Regarding her journey, Bailey Anne said, “To the next generation of titleholders, it wouldn’t be ethical if I didn’t say that this dream took me years in the making; it didn’t happen overnight.”
She added, “Not everyone has to agree with the spaces that you occupy. And it doesn’t mean that you aren’t worthy of these opportunities. The work that I will do for the remainder of my life is to make sure that children. Who feel like me will never have to worry about the consequences of being who they are by simply being myself and being a positive contribution to society.”
“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 sunk in at that time. At times, I have to sleep next to my crown just to make sure that it’s happening.”
Read More: Bailey Anne Kennedy Makes History as Miss Maryland USA
Previously, the Miss Maryland USA rules allowed only those under the age of 28 to participate. The rules were changed, allowing Kennedy to compete and win the title at the age of 31.
“I felt confident in my own skin at 31, which is past the old age limit of 28—as you know. The Miss Universe Organization has lifted the restriction now—so every woman of all ages can compete,” she said.
“No matter how old you are,” Kennedy tells People, “you can start late [in life], look different, be uncertain, and still somehow succeed.”
She 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 the wife of an Asian American military service member.
Some of Bailey Anne’s favorites include Mahachanok (a crunchy mango from Thailand) and New York-style cheesecake (“non-negotiable,” she says).
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.
She is the first transgender woman to win the Miss Maryland USA title. On Saturday, June 1, the Miss Maryland USA pageant held in Bethesda, Maryland, where Bailey Anne Kennedy made history.
FAQ
The model has not had any children so far. She is currently giving priority to her career due to which she has no plans to have children till now.
2024 Miss Maryland USA winner Bailey Anne Kennedy is married to a United States Marine Corps. Her husband’s name is Casey Gup, they love each other very much and their relationship is very close. Phuang malai (Jasmine Garland) holds such a significant meaning in culture.
Bailey Anne Kennedy, 32, was born in Cambodia. She said that she never forgets her place of birth and the history of that place and tries to keep her traditions during her marriage. She always remembers the words of his birthplace.