The Miss United States pageant sparks controversy with a transgender woman and a plus-size participant

This year, under the Miss Universe organization, the Miss United States pageant is having important firsts that challenge traditional beauty norms. The reasons? The inclusion of a transgender woman and a plus-size contestant for the first time ever in the pageant. These participations follow the inclusive strides made by the Miss Universe organization, which now also welcomes contestants who are married, pregnant, or mothers.

First, the Miss Maryland title was proudly won by Bailey Anne Kennedy, a 31-year-old transgender woman. Previously recognized as Miss Williamsport, Kennedy identifies as a military wife. Simultaneously, Sarah Milliken captured the Miss Alabama crown. Distinctively larger than her fellow contestants, she has suffered cyberbullying due to her size.

These are examples of Miss Universe’s effort to diversify the contest further, a commitment that seems to have started in 2018 with Miss Spain Ángela Ponce participating as the first transgender contestant. In addition, ownership of the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA has also transitioned to Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, a transgender entrepreneur from Thailand, proving the pageant’s transformation.