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By being named Miss Greater Derry 2023, Brian Nguyen became the first transgender person to win a title under the Miss America organization.
The internet, however, seems to be divided over this result. Netizens have flooded social media with congratulatory messages as well as severe criticism.
The Miss Greater Derry event was launched in 1986. According to its official website, its scholarship "recognizes their achievements in scholastic, aptitude, talent, character, community service and poise." The event is held for those between the ages of 17 and 24.
Recently, Brian Nguyen took to Instagram to share the news of her becoming the "First transgender titleholder." Nguyen expressed:
“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. 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.”
Brian Nguyen has started the #QueensAreEverywhere movement on social media
As per Nguyen's Instagram page, she is 19 years old and is a freshman at Nashua Community College. She is majoring in Business Management and describes her goals as:
“I want to create sustainable, ethical, and inclusive products such as clothing, cosmetics, and accessories. I also hope to continue to grow my career in the modeling and social media industry.”
She has also started the #QueensAreEverywhere social media movement that helps youngsters "develop self-confidence, realize their potential, and become the leaders of their destiny." The movement aims to aid those who have faced multiple challenges in their lives.
At the time of writing this article, Nguyen has amassed 3,448 followers on Instagram. As per her Instagram bio, she has also accumulated a total of 43k followers on TikTok.
Netizens divided over Brian Nguyen's pageant win
Brian Nguyen has garnered mixed reactions following her win at the pageant. Some have applauded her for creating history, while others claim that since she was biologically male, she took away the scholarship from a deserving woman. Some also brutally attacked Nguyen's physique.
A few comments online read:
However, there were several negative comments under Nguyen's post as well.
Are there rules against transgender people competing in the Miss America pageants?
According to a federal court ruling, Miss United States of America pageants cannot be forced to include transgender contestants. This is in the wake of a lawsuit filed against the organization where they claimed to be victims of discrimination.
A rule in the organization stated that contestants must be "natural-born females."
However, the organization also has the First Amendment right to determine who competes in their competition. The organization adheres to guidelines such as those participating must not have posed nude in the past and must not be convicted felons. It is also essential that they must be American citizens.
