The Miss Maryland USA pageant crowned Bailey Anne Kennedy, a transgender woman, on Thursday night. DC News Now described Kennedy as a 31-year-old “military officer’s wife.”
The Miss Maryland USA Instagram account states that Kennedy works with the U.S. military’s United Service Organizations (USO), a Department of Defense entity that aims to boost troop morale and promote positive sentiments about the U.S. military. Kennedy’s Instagram account features numerous references to the USO and military imagery, including photos with her apparent spouse wearing a U.S. Navy uniform.
There have been multiple congressional hearings where U.S. military officials have been criticized for affecting troop morale and recruitment by using drag performers for military PR. U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, a Navy Reserve officer from Indiana running for an open U.S. Senate seat, has claimed that military personnel lied to Congress about such initiatives. These activities are also discussed in my new book, False Flag: Why Queer Politics Mean the End of America.
Winners of pageants such as the state Miss USA and Miss America franchises frequently interact with children. They attend various public events like charity fundraisers, local and state fairs, and civic events.
Last year’s Miss Maryland USA, Savena Mushinge, can be seen posing with some young girls at a cancer fundraiser.
Last year’s Miss Maryland from the Miss America franchise also gave a talk to middle schoolers at a private school in the D.C. area for children with learning challenges.
While Miss USA is primarily a modeling competition and Miss America focuses more on scholarship and career goals, both partner with pageants for girls as young as age 4. Winners of the adult pageants mentor these young participants and thus become important role models for them.
For instance, here is Mushinge with some young girls from the National Miss pageant.
As a Miss Maryland USA pageant winner, Kennedy will be in close proximity to many children and young girls. This scenario raises concerns about how LGBTQ+ representation in public roles potentially exposes young children to sensitive topics.
