Erin O’Flaherty is an American LGBTQ+ advocate and public speaker known for her work as a “pride speaker.” She gained significant attention in 2016 when she became the first openly lesbian contestant to compete for the title of Miss America.

As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Erin O’Flaherty uses her platform and personal experiences to promote acceptance, equality, and inclusion. She travels around the country as a pride speaker, sharing her story and insights on topics such as coming out, overcoming adversity, and fostering a more inclusive society.

O’Flaherty’s participation in the Miss America competition helped raise awareness of LGBTQ+ representation in the pageant world and challenged stereotypes. She used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

Beyond her work as a pride speaker, Erin O’Flaherty has been involved in various LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives. She has partnered with organizations such as GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and The Trevor Project, which provide support and resources to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Erin O’Flaherty’s journey as a pride speaker showcases the power of visibility and representation in creating positive change. Through her advocacy, she encourages dialogue, understanding, and acceptance, ultimately working towards a more inclusive and equal society for all.

Erin O’Flaherty | Inspiring LGBTQ Speaker

Growing up, Miss Missouri Erin O’Flaherty did not practice her runway walk in heels or drown her curls in hairspray behind pageant doors. Instead, she sprinted down soccer elds with her auburn hair pulled back in a ponytail and par- ticipated in 4H, a local leadership organization.

In high school, O’Flaherty was accepted into a track for advanced students. ere, she accelerated far more quickly than normal. At age 15 she began looking at colleges, the same year as her older sister, Justin.

Erin O’Flaherty had always been on the move with club soccer and balancing time between her mother in South Carolina and her father in Ohio. She had learned to love the travel, so she looked far away for her university of choice.

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