![]() “You could have two female-identified people or two male-identified people or any combination,” she said. While it was affirming to be named the “queen,” Santos said she likes the idea of removing gender from the titles and processes of these types of school contests, opening them up to any pairing of genders as well as students who are gender-nonconforming. “It just felt good to know I wasn’t just accepted, I was celebrated.” “I felt on top of the world, like I could do anything,” said Santos, who now lives in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The coveted tiara topped her freshly styled hair. While many supported her bid for prom queen, she said others posted nasty comments on online forums, including complaints that “a man in a dress” shouldn’t hold the title.īut then her name was called. Santos had come out as transgender and transitioned during high school. She prayed she would be selected as queen. Mia Santos recalled her nerves on prom night when she was a senior at northwest suburban Elk Grove High School in 2015. Some say earning a school crown can be extremely formative and validating - even when one’s gender identity doesn’t necessarily fit in the traditional binary. “… After discussions with other universities where a new model has been used, as well conferring with on-campus partners, students will continue to explore improvements to the nomination process, which could lead to more interest in the program in coming years.” Not just accepted, but celebrated “Unfortunately, interest from the student body for this particular tradition has dropped dramatically - leading to only 22 applicants this year - despite enhanced recruitment efforts,” Reif said in an email. ![]() Zane Reif, vice provost for student life, cited waning participation as the motivator. ![]() Changes to the homecoming court were student-driven, according to university administrators. ![]()
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