NO SALES TAX
It was only a few years ago that Carrie Prejean made a name for herself by using her Miss USA platform to oppose gay rights. But this year, Claire Buffie -- the 24-year-old Miss New York -- is doing just the opposite: She's competing on a gay rights platform.
"My platform is 'Straight for Equality: Let's Talk,'" said Buffie, in a recent interview. "I feel that it's really important to promote equality for all people, "all" being the main word. As a straight ally, I think it's so necessary to have that straight allies' support for the LGBT community. My platform is politically driven in that I think we need political reform for gay rights, but I've really taken it down to organizations like PFLAG where I have the opportunity for personal mentorship."
Duffie also emphasized the importance of breaking through stigmas and undoing stereotypes about all groups of people -- including women who compete in pageants. "Even upon entering my first local for the Miss America organization four years go, I had some of those stereotypes that are very common -- the hairspray, the eyelashes, the glue and the tape, and all those things," she said. "What I found was a group of incredibly intelligent, driven, and service-minded women. I have found my absolute best friends through this organization."
We'll keep an eye out for Miss Buffie as she heads to the main Miss USA event!
