#throwbackthursday to my very first in person orientation in January 2024 @misscausa where I had dreamed of being for so long! When @rbonneynola made a statement on stage during her final question that the change she would like to see in the organization would be the age limit increase, I never imagined that they would remove the age restrictions entirely making ME eligible to compete, but I have this woman to thank for being the first to publically speak out requesting this change! Thank you so much @rbonneynola for being so bold to state this and be a forerunner in creating this change! I quoted R'Bonney's statement "If not now, then when?"(quoted originally by Hillel the Elder and later made popular by Dr Suess) in my interview at Miss California USA, and I just want to thank the @missuniverse organization for listening to her so that I can now be a part of this incredible organization as a 48 year old, plus size, 5'2 married lesbian woman! @kristenjbradford@avagracenichols@saniyathecutie_@jasminesignorino@mariah.w @@crowndivaproductions
My swimwear debut after 35 years of not going in public in a bathing suit! I was going to wear the sarong til the very end but that didn't happen! It came off when I got to the first X on stage! I felt so free like I had never felt before in a bathing suit! That's what I cal "EMPOWERING"
I did a thing! I competed at Miss California USA as a 48 year old plus size 5'2 married lesbian! I'm so honored to be part of making Miss California USA history in this epic year of Inclusivity for the Miss Universe Organization! I said I was going to Miss USA this year one way or another...either as the winner or a supporter of the winner but regardless I am going to Miss USA this year! I will be there supporting our queens @misscausa@_samiramos_ and @misscateenusa@paigegonor
I am missing this stage already! I cried every time I walked in the room seeing this stage, and being on it fulfilling a lifelong dream means the world to me. I am so grateful for this opportunity provided by the @missuniverse organization, which removed the age restrictions this past year! Thank you so much, @kristenjbradford@crowndivaproductions for being such an amazing director and providing so many opportunities and events for all of us and producing the most incredible show I've ever been in! Thank you to each and every sponsor in collaboration with @misscausa for your time, effort and talents. Thank you to all of our amazing staff and house moms who provided us with the support we needed. I am so happy to be part of this organization now and to my class of 2024 sisters I love you all so much! Thanks for the memories!
@crowndivaproductions@misscausa@missusa@missuniverse
