INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- Amid the photographs of beauty contestants competing in Miss California USA this weekend are those of two young women who are making history.

Jenelle Hutcherson, 26, of Long Beach and Mollie Thomas, 19, of West Hollywood (her photo is to the left) are the first openly gay contestants in the 60-year history of the state pageant, whose winner will go on to compete in Miss USA, the national pageant.

"That Miss California crown would sure look nice atop the 'hawk," Hutcherson said, referring to her Mohawk hairstyle.

And Thomas wrote Friday on her Facebook fan page, "Interview, check! All-day rehearsal in five-inch heels, ouch! Bring it on."

More than 400 women are vying for the title of Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA, compared with 378 participants from last year, organizers say.

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