At this Sunday’s competition, the first openly gay Miss America contestant will make her debut.<br />Erin O’Flaherty will represent Missouri at the competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey.<br />Behind the scenes, we’ve been well-represented, but I’m the first openly gay title holder, so I’m very excited.<br />I knew going in that I had the opportunity to make history.<br />While there have been numerous out competitors in the former Miss USA and Miss Universe competitions, O’Flaherty is the first titleholder to come out and then win a state title.<br />Through every major milestone of our nation’s evolution, Miss America has provided a voice for women from all walks of life, and, this year, we welcome our first openly gay contestant.
