Bailey Anne, the biological male who identifies as a woman and was crowned Miss Maryland USA last week, said winning the pageant is a huge step forward for LGBT children.

Winning the pageant was a “whirlwind because I knew it was bigger than me,” Anne said, according to a report. “I knew that it was going to mean a lot for all the LGBTQ kids out there who might feel like they don’t belong in a box — like me growing up.”

Along with becoming the first transgender champion, Anne is also the first Asian American and military officer spouse to claim the crown, according to the report.

Anne said many LGBT children do not feel comfortable being themselves, and Anne hopes the Miss Maryland USA win will allow those children to overcome fears, as Anne did.

“I felt confident in my own skin at 31, which is past the old age limit, which is 28 — as you know Miss Universe Organization lift the restriction now — so every woman of all ages can compete,” Anne said.

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Miss Maryland USA was Anne’s first pageant, and Anne said the “sisterhood” of fellow competitors made the first-time winner overcome any and all trepidations.

Anne will head to Los Angeles to compete for Miss USA on Aug. 4 and hopes that continuing to compete will “open up some doors, open up some hearts for people to see that there are many aspects of LGBT community out there, and I hope I can be a positive contribution to society in making a difference like the USO program like I’m working with.”