A transgender teen was named homecoming queen of a high school in
California on Friday.
The student body at Marina High School elected Cassidy Lynn
Campbell of Huntington Beach as their homecoming queen.
Campbell, a senior, began her transition while in high school.
“If I win it would mean that the school recognizes me as the
gender I always felt I was,” the 16-year-old Campbell told The
Los Angeles Times. “But with all the attention, I realize
it's bigger than me. I'm doing this for the kids who can't be
themselves.”
The field of 10 homecoming queen candidates was narrowed to 5
during a homecoming pep rally on Friday.
Tom Delapp, a school district spokesman, told the Times
that the 5 finalists were called up during the homecoming game
halftime and that balloons were released from boxes to announce the
winner. Only Campbell's balloons were gold and blue, the school
colors.
“[Campbell] was stunned,” Delapp said. “She kind of broke
down on the podium. She was shocked. She cried a lot.”
Students chanted her name and gave her hugs.
“I was so proud to win, not just for me bur for everyone out
there,” she told reporters afterward. “I think it really shows
the progression of the times.” (A video report from KTLA is
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