Miss Alabama
Sara Milliken, a plus-size model, won Miss Alabama 2024 beauty contest.
‘Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people,’ she told WKRG.
‘Even though I’m not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves.’
‘I’ll be honest, it got to me for about five minutes,’ she added . ‘Their words can hurt, even if it is online.
‘I’ve always wanted to spread positivity, and this kind of put me in a position to do exactly that.’
Milliken’s victory was her third attempt at the contest, which says it hopes to foster ‘positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within’.
She responded to an open call and competed over Memorial Day Weekend by taking part in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.
Scoring in the pageant is based on ‘personality, confidence and communication’, according to organizers.
‘Braces, glasses, skin problems, varying heights, weights and appearances, are all a part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate,’ the website states.
Milliken admitted she was shocked by the response to her win, but has since received an influx of support from across the world gaining 2,500 followers across Instagram and Facebook in a single night.
‘No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,’ Milliken said following her victory.
‘I met so many amazing and accomplished women. That was definitely the best part.’
Miss Maryland
Bailey Anne Kennedy is the first transgender man to be crowned Miss Maryland USA.
His win, which came Saturday, was a “whirlwind because I knew it was bigger than me,” he told Washington, D.C., TV station WDCW Wednesday. “I knew that it was going to mean a lot for all the LGBTQ kids out there who might feel like they don’t belong in a box — like me growing up.”
Kennedy, who is Cambodian American, is the first Asian American to win the title and the first military spouse as well. He will compete for the Miss USA crown in Los Angeles; the contest will air August 4.
He hopes his win “will open up some doors, open up some hearts for people to see that there are many aspects of LGBT community out there, and I hope I can be a positive contribution to society in making a difference like the USO program like I’m working with,” he said.
