A gay teen was named Homecoming Royalty at his school, a title that he accepted in a shiny sequins gown.
Brandon Allen is a student at White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee, and he told CBS News that he always knew that he was “a queen,” “that business,” and “that news.”
Related: This high school changed the way it crowns homecoming royalty to ensure a lesbian couple can win
A picture of him winning the title has gone viral, making him literally “that news.”
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
Last Friday at a football game, the school’s homecoming court was announced. Allen was announced as Homecoming Royalty, a gender-neutral title.
And when he walked on the football field in an amazing dress to get his tiara, bouquet of flowers, and sash, his classmates cheered him on.
Emmett Campbell, a junior at Allen’s school, took a picture of the event that went viral.
We crowned our 2019 Homecoming Royalty tonight. Congrats to senior Brandon Allen! pic.twitter.com/TslNnCqRdc
— White Station High (@SpartansWSHS) September 28, 2019
“It was such an incredible thing to witness,” Campbell, who identifies as transgender, told NBC News. “It was a moment of acceptance and validation for the LGBT+ community from our entire school.”
The picture even got the attention of a Queer Eye star.
What a beautiful picture
— Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) September 28, 2019
Some parents and community members were less than supportive and criticized him for winning on social media, but Principal Carrye Holland stood by him.
“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,” Holland wrote on Facebook.
“I’m exceedingly proud to be the principal of our amazing school.”
Allen thanked his classmates in an Instagram post.
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to me becoming queen. You guys truly looked stunningly beautiful and I am so honored to have been able to walk with you guys!”
Don't forget to share: