Everybody thrives in an environment where they are accepted despite any differences that might exist among the individuals in that space.
A Memphis high school crowned its first openly gay 17-year-old boy homecoming royalty last Friday, making him the school’s first gender-neutral winner, CBS News reports.
After trying two years to make it into the White Station High school homecoming court, he finally got voted in by the students for the coveted tittle of homecoming king or queen. For Brandon Allen, however, it was homecoming royalty.
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“When I won, I felt so relieved and so happy because I had been fighting for something that I wanted for the longest amount of time and then I finally got it.”
Donning a sparkly gold off shoulder dress, Brandon said, “I decided to wear a dress because I strongly believe in the fact that I’m a queen.”
Speaking to his win, he said he won because the school was accepting of who he is.
“Majority of the school population was supporting me, and It’s because I’m such a social bird.”
During the crowning ceremony, a transgender photographer was very emotional as he captured Brandon when his name emerged as the winner for the school’s yearbook.
Emett Campbell, the 16-year-old photographer, said to Commercial appeal:
“I was standing in front of Brandon and his mom when his name was announced, and I can’t begin to explain how intense that moment was for me,” Campbell said.
“White Station has always been a supportive environment, but to see someone so openly supported in such a public way was incredible.”
To celebrate his win, the school shared photos of Brandon on their Facebook and Twitter accounts much to mixed but mostly positive comments from the public.
WSH school principal supports the decision of her students to crown who they deem fit as homecoming king or queen. She said in a Facebook comment:
“Here’s the thing: It’s Brandon’s right to run for homecoming court under Title IX. It’s the students’ choice of who they want to support as homecoming royalty,” White Station High School principal Carrye Holland commented on the photo of Allen.
“I’m exceedingly proud to be the principal of our amazing school. You don’t have to agree but disrespectful comments will be deleted,” the principal’s comment continued.
“WSHS loves and supports everyone regardless of who they are or what they believe. Thank you for the love and light from so many of you.”
Shelby County school district superintendent Joris Ray also threw his weight behind Brandon on Twitter, saying, “Shelby County Schools policy prohibits discrimination and the District is committed to ensuring a positive and respectful school environment where everyone is treated with dignity.”
“Homecoming queen and king is a tradition based 100% on student votes. As superintendent, I support student voice and expression.”
Many other alumni were proud of the feat achieved by their high school and commended the student body for taking the bold stand to celebrate diversity.
