First openly gay Miss America contestant shines light on LGBT issues

The first black contestant didn’t participate until 1970 and the first black Miss America – the one and only Vanessa Williams – didn’t win until 1983.

“All my grandchildren are attractive and handsome”, she said.

“All this negativity came out, especially about my appearance and how I’m apparently unfit to represent the Chinese population because I’m ‘ugly, ‘” she told People. She remembers being self-conscious but she learned to quickly learned to embrace her uniqueness. Just this week, she said she has received hundreds of messages from young girls and others in the LGBT community sharing their stories.

Miss Ohio Alice Magoto captured a preliminary Lifestyles and Fitness Award Thursday night on the Miss America Scholarship Program stage. Miss America contestants wave to the crowd during the opening of the second night of Miss America Pageant Preliminaries at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, in Atlantic City. “I’m Miss Minne-snow-ta”, said Miss Minnesota Madeline Van Ert.

“For 96 years, Miss America has shone light on some of the brightest and most talented young women in the country”, said Harrison.

Miss America 2017 is quickly approaching, and we know you’ve got questions!

“Read your labels”, she said.

Miss New Mexico Stephanie Chavez said parents should help children read as an enjoyable hobby. How about you read that. On Tuesday night, Miss District of Columbia Cierra Jackson won the preliminary swimsuit competition, while Miss Tennessee Grace Burgess won the talent portion by singing The Eagles’ “Desperado”.

During night two in the preliminary rounds, Miss Arkansas Savvy Shields was named preliminary Talent victor for her jazz dance performance to the song “Just Keep Moving the Line”.