High School Elects First Nonbinary Homecoming Queen

A conservative town outside Fresno, California has seen a remarkable first: Clovis East High School just crowned a nonbinary homecoming queen.

Trevor Meyer, who has no pronoun preference, ran for the homecoming court's male titles for the last three years. But it was only this year, after coming out as "gender-neutral" and running for queen, that they were crowned.

"Leading up to the announcement, my heart was racing, and I was on a roller coaster of emotions," they told NBC News. "I just think it's important for everyone to step up and be themselves."

Trevor's sister, Shelbey Weidemann, was equally jubilant. "The crowd was chanting his name so loudly, everything was buzzing," she said. "[...] Of course, I had nervous doubts if he didn't win, but from the minute they announced him, you couldn't even hear anything other than the crowd's cheers."

After the event, Meyer was told the Fresno Bee they were "shaking."

"It means there are people out there who care and support and know about what I'm doing," they said. "[...] I'm just so thankful to have this opportunity. I think it means we're taking a step in the right direction."

Meyer, who wears makeup and heels in daily life, explained that they view gender as "more of a spectrum." "There are days when I feel more masculine," Meyer said. "There are days when I feel more feminine."

The victory was thanks to widespread support from friends, family, and the student body.

"Honestly, I respect it," 2018 homecoming king Shawno Roberts told the Fresno Bee. "That's who he is as a person. I respect it."

Of course, there has been a bit of negative backlash, particularly from the Fresno Bee's Facebook commenters. But Meyer said they hope those people speak to them and learn what nonbinary people are actually like.

Alongside Meyer, a homecoming king crown was also awarded to a student in the special education program.

"Both of the winners are so meaningful and shows how kind and supportive the student body is," Weidemann said.

Clovis East High School is known for another notable student: Glee star Chris Colfer. As an indication of just how much has changed in a very short time, Colfer was prevented from singing "Defying Gravity" when he was a student, because he was told was a "girl's song."

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