Miss New York Claire Buffie To Run On Gay Rights Platform For Miss America 2010

Meet Miss New York 2010 Claire Buffie - the first Miss America contestant in history to run on a gay rights platform.

The 24-year-old Indianapolis native, who won the New York contest on the gay rights platform, says her involvement in gay rights was inspired by her sister, who is a lesbian.

"I feel like gay rights are the civil rights movement of my generation, and I think it's really important to have straight ally support because any time you want to effect a change with a minority you have to have support from the majority, and I'm that voice now...My older sister Sarah is a lesbian, but in addition to her, I grew up in the performing arts. So many of my friends are LGBT, and it's my duty as a straight ally to represent them," says Claire.

Claire knows her profile may seem unusual for a beauty queen, and that's exactly why she believes she can win over America in the competition this January.

"In the 90-year history of Miss America, we have not yet found any Miss America contestant who has had this platform. It is quite unique," Claire told The Advocate.

"I don't think I fit the mold at all, but I think that's been the greatest part and the reason I have such an effect on people throughout the pageant. My coworkers have said, "No offense, but I didn't think you were a pageant girl." It's empowering women."

A trained dancer and Apple employee, Claire also owns a business in commercial portraiture and graphic design.