In a historic moment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) teens everywhere, a transgender New Hampshire teen has been voted Homecoming King by a " landslide" victory at his local high school.
Concord High School's first transgender student to receive the honor, Ray Ramsey took the royal title to the sound of thunderous applause and cheers from his friends and peers. According to the Concord Monitor, Ramsey's father greeted him after he accepted the crown, taking Ramsey by the shoulders and looking him in the eye, saying, "I am so proud of you.”
Nominations for Homecoming Court at Concord High School function through individual clubs and organizations. Ramsey received his nomination through Tide Pride, the school's outlet for LGBT students and allies.
"It’s a big deal,” said Tide Pride adviser Heather Oullette-Cygan regarding Ramsey’s win. “I think it means a lot for our school, it certainly means a lot for the kids in the club and even the LGBT students who aren’t necessarily in the club.”
While other transgender students across the country have made an attempt to win the title of Homecoming King at their respective high schools this year, their attempts have proven unsuccessful. However, 16-year-old Cassidy Lynn Campbell made history last month when students at her southern California high school voted her Homecoming Queen, positioning her as the first transgender student to win the title at her educational institution.
Campbell, unfortunately, experienced harsh criticism and became the target of bullies immediately following her win, inciting her to post a tearful video on YouTube about her experiences. She would go to pose for the "NOH8 Campaign" a few days later.
Meanwhile, a Pennsylvania school board recently denied a 17-year-old transgender teen's request to run for homecoming king. Meanwhile, Kasey Caron was left on the ballot for homecoming queen, the Associated Press reported last month.
Ramsey, however, cites having a positive, welcoming and supportive environment in both his home and school settings regarding his gender identity. Other students reportedly began calling him "Ray" at his request during his junior year, according to the Monitor's report.
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