Miss Missouri, Irish American Erin O’Flaherty, says she is thrilled to be the first openly lesbian contestant in 95 years of the Miss America pageant

Erin, 23, graduated from the University of Central Florida with a major in legal studies and owns a boutique clothing shop, Rachel’s Grove, with her mother, aunt and sister.

“I’m on cloud nine really just to be Miss Missouri,” she said. “I don’t know that I intended to be the first [gay contestant] but I am. So I’m very excited about it.”

Erin came out at the age of 18 and was open about her sexuality throughout the Miss Missouri competition.

“My focus of my year isn’t going to be that I’m gay,” she added. “It’s certainly a big part of who I am, and I will be promoting it and raising awareness for the LGBTcommunity. But also there will be many appearances that I do that have nothing to do with that.”

At the Miss America pageant, which takes place September 11 in Atlantic City, O’Flaherty’s platform will be suicide prevention, in memory of her best friend in high school, who took her own life.

Josh Randle, chief operating officer of the Miss America Organization, said the pageant reflects a changing America.

“Through every major milestone of our nation’s evolution, Miss America has provided a voice for women from all walks of life, and, this year, we welcome our first openly gay contestant,” he said.

The winner of Miss America will be crowned on Sunday night.