Miss New York Competes for Gay Rights

Miss New York Claire Buffie is the first Miss America contestant in history to compete on a gay rights platform, and the public can vote for her in advance of the pageant next weekend.

Buffie, who speaks to students in New York about making schools safer, discussed her platform with Thomas Roberts on MSNBC.

"She has to be relatable and she has to have a relevant voice," said Buffie of the modern Miss America. "And so that's what I'm trying to bring to the Miss America organization is this platform that is not seen as controversy, but instead a current event. It's something that affects all of us."

The Indianapolis native and Apple employee, who has a lesbian sister, gave her first interview with the gay press to The Advocate in July. She will compete for the crown in Las Vegas on January 15.

As many as four finalists in the top 15 will be chosen based on voter input. Visit the Miss America site to vote for Buffie, or text MANY to 24470.