This is Erin O'Flaherty.

She's 23 years old, and was just crowned Miss Missouri 2016. 

She'll be taking part in this year's Miss America pageant, where she'll be making history as the first openly gay woman to compete in the pageant's history. 

The news of Erin competing in Miss America is AWESOME, because by simply being her authentic self, she's increasing visibility of queer women in a industry/event that does not often feature them. And she's proud to be a representation for the many queer people who look up to her.

“It’s certainly making history and I’m not sure I set out to do that, but I am the first openly gay Miss Missouri and contestant to head to Miss America so I am excited about that. But, mainly, I’m excited to represent the LGBT community,” Erin said in a recent interview with Good Morning America. “We’re underrepresented in public in positions of influence. So I’m excited to take that on and I hope that my presence will help with visibility for the community.”

Keep on slaying, Erin!