Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Transgender Student wins Prom Queen

17-year-old Andii Viveros became prom queen at her school, McFatter Technical High School. But why is this special, because Andii is transgender. However, it wasn't an easy road to the crown.
Andrew said some McFatter teens pleaded with school management not to allow her to run for queen.
“Many students have started a petition to have me removed from the ballot,” Andrew wrote last week in a Facebook message. “They also are outraged and say I am making a mockery of prom, because I am going in an evening gown.”

Last year, school officials suggested Andrew not dress as a female in class and to “tone it down,” she said.

“This year we got a new principal and she’s very supportive of me,” Andrew said, even encouraging her to run for prom queen. “She said “Stay in the running. Don’t back down for anything.’”

McFatter seniors who voted Friday night also chose a prom king: Juan Macias, a 17-year-old gay male senior.
Before the big night, Andrew’s father, Oscar Viveros, bought her a gown, shoes and makeup.
“My parents support me. They always have,” said Andrew, the oldest of four siblings.

“I’ve always loved him unconditionally,” said Oscar Viveros, who still uses male pronouns when talking about Andrew. “I’ve told my other kids, they have to support him. He thinks he’s a girl in a man’s body. In school, he hears this and that, but I’ve made sure in our house he’s free to act and do whatever makes him comfortable.”
source

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Who'd have thought such progressive attitudes could exist in a red state like Florida. I think the youth show hope for humanity.

Joy said...

This is encouraging. The principal sets the tone for the school. Way to go!

behrmark said...

Andii is beautiful and so are her family and principal.

Anonymous said...

I wonder how her voice sounds?

SteveA said...

This is positive - her dad sounds so open-minded - wish more people were like him!

Musique's Poetry said...

Thank God for progression. I remember they didn't allow gay couples at my prom.

the immigayrant said...

This is awesome!

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Viktor is a small town southern boy living in Los Angeles. You can find him on Twitter, writing about pop culture, politics, and comics. He’s the creator of the graphic novel StrangeLore and currently getting back into screenwriting.