Meet Mollie Thomas, Miss California’s first openly gay contestant. Although I am posting this from Canada, and I’m not eligible to vote, it’s great to see Mollie taking this huge step forward for equality, and I offer my full support.
HOMEPAGE: http://www.mollieformissca.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MollieThomasForMissCA
A Letter from Mollie Thomas:
I’m proud to be the first openly gay woman running for Miss California USA. This is an opportunity to represent the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) community in a way I never dreamed of. My life has taken me many amazing places. I’ve been blessed with the ability to travel the world, and my experiences living in Los Angeles have compelled me to run for Miss California, USA.
I grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania, and as a little girl I loved to wear tiaras around the house. Like many little girls, I dreamed of being a beauty queen, but that was the extent of my pageant experience. Growing up, I joined a volunteer travel organization that took me on a journey of a lifetime. My volunteer work abroad has included living with a family in Mongolia and working at a school for handicapped children, spending a summer in Northern Thailand volunteering at an elephant reserve, participating in reforestation programs in Australia and rebuilding houses with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. As a result of my travels, I became more involved in human rights issues and developed a deep appreciation for knowing and practicing what one stands for. This also played a big role in my personal life with my own identity. I did not hesitate to let people know who I am, as a lesbian to my family and friends, but I knew it might change the way I was viewed by society.
Running for Miss California, USA was a complete unexpected turn in my life. In early September, I was approached by a recruiter for Miss USA after working with him on a different project. Upon finding out that I identify as a lesbian he presented the opportunity to run openly in the 2012 pageant, and of course, I couldn’t turn it down!
By participating in Miss California, USA I am able to fulfill my early childhood dream of pageantry, while staying true to myself. I am so grateful that K2 Productions is so accepting and inclusive to allow me to be a contestant. I am taking this opportunity not only to fulfill some of my own aspirations, but also to be a positive role model and inspiration for the LGBTQ community and for girls everywhere. With your help, I would be honored to be the next Miss California USA.
