A teenager in New Hampshire has become the first transgender contestant to win a local Miss America Organization beauty pageant.
Brían Nguyen, 19, won Sunday night’s pageant to become “Miss Greater Derry 2023,” which awards the winner a crown, title, and scholarship.
In the 100-year history of Miss America, I have officially become the FIRST transgender titleholder within the Miss America Organization,” Nguyen announced on Instagram.
No words can describe the feeling of having the opportunity to serve my community and represent my community for the very first time at Miss New Hampshire,” Nguyen continued. “I am so honored to be crowned your new Miss Greater Derry 2023, and I am thrilled to show you all what I have up my sleeves. This will be an amazing year.”
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The Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Program, founded in 1986, provides “scholarships to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 living in the Greater Derry area recognizing their outstanding achievements in scholastic aptitude, talent, character, community service and poise,” according to its website.
The Miss Greater Derry Scholarship Pageant is also a preliminary event for the Miss New Hampshire Pageant and, ultimately, the Miss America Pageant.
While some on social media celebrated Nguyen’s win, others online heavily criticized the competition for “taking away” a scholarship meant for a “young woman.”
source wpde.com
