Alongside the Super Bowl and Fourth of July parades sits one of the most all-American activities of this country: Miss America. Many young people sat in front of the television throughout the decades intently watching these classy women. They strutted down the stage in modest swimsuits and gorgeous evening gowns. Then, the women gathered their passionate thoughts to brave interview questions that required them to show a stand on rather safe issues like literacy or starving children.
However, with changing seasons comes changing times. Long gone are the days of quiet, reserved women taking the stage. Mollie Thomas is changing the status quo by entering into the pageant as a progressive, outgoing 19-year-old living an alternative lifestyle. This spirited young girl was raised by aware, progressive and supportive parents. Even as a child, Mollie knew who she loved, and her parents loved and supported her for it. Thomas recalls never really having an official coming out, and states that her family was incredibly accepting and loving. This enabled her to know at a very young age who she is and who she loves.
Mollie has lived an eclectic life. She was raised in Manhattan and on a Pennsyvania horse farm by her French father and American mother. Because her father works in the travel industry, she has had the opportunity to travel the world with her family. Over the years she has lived in Switzerland, spent time working at an elephant reserve in Thailand, and has recently moved to the West coast where she is taking part-time classes at UCLA. Her ambitions are leading her toward a major in gender studies or political science.
Although a question of whether an uproar would come from her pageant entry always stayed in the back of her mind, Mollie hasn’t really had many fears concerning the Miss California pageant. Her 13 year background in dance has prepared her for many things she will face in the pageant. She has years of training in ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap and point dance. This has also helped her in physical preparation that the pageant wil demand. She’s been hitting the gym hard recently to make sure she is prepared in every way for the task at hand.
For the pageant, Mollie has received an endorsement from Max Azria for her gown. She will be promoting her roommate’s new line, Lyon Jewelry, for her ring, equality bracelet and earrings. She has been studying the recent New Hampshire pageant to further prepare her for her time in California. All her studying has her anticipating everything; even the typically dreaded curveballs. She says that she is ready for just about anything they can throw her way.