Pennsylvania High School Elects Its First Ever Same-Sex Prom Royalty

High school sweethearts Courtney Steiner and Carly Levy had only planned on going to their senior prom as a couple this year, but their fellow students at Pennridge High School decided to help them make history as well. The two teen girls were chosen as their school's first ever same-sex prom royalty couple, and, at least according to GLAAD, they might also be the first same-sex prom couple in the entire state of Pennsylvania.

"I couldn't believe we won," Levy told ABC affiliate WPVI-TV of her reaction upon hearing the news they had been selected prom queen and queen.

The pair, who have been together since March, said it wasn't their idea to run for prom royalty. They just wanted to attend senior prom as a couple, but their friends decided the two seniors would make a great royal couple as well. Steiner credited one friend in particular, Delaney, with initiating the process.

"She came up to me and was like, 'Can I nominate you and Carly for prom queen?'" Steiner recalled. "I was like, 'Yeah, why not!'"

Steiner said Delaney was also instrumental with her push to "change the term from prom king and queen to prom royalty" so the pair could run together.

Levy expressed surprise their names appeared on the ballot at all, saying she "wasn't sure if Pennridge was going to allow it because this region and this county can lean a little away from allowing that kind of thing to happen."

Levy didn't need to worry, though, as the couple later learned at the prom they had won in a landslide.

GLAAD said this was the first time they had heard of a same-sex couple being named as prom queens in the state of Pennsylvania.

"It's an amazing story of support and inclusion for LGBTQ youth, especially at a time when so many are being targeted across the country," Barbara Simon, head of news and campaigns for GLAAD, told WPVI-TV via email.

Simon later told USA Today GLAAD celebrated the couple's courage, while also acknowledging the contributions of the students and local community.

"Props to their families, friends, and classmates not just for accepting them for who they are, but honoring them in such a public and affirming way," Simon told USA Today. "The world is a safer and healthier place for everyone when all are included. Congratulations, Queens."

And while the couple made clear they were aware of the significance of the event, it was evident that these were two high school sweethearts celebrating their senior prom.

"I got her flowers to match my pink gown and she got me flowers too that matched her navy blue gown," Steiner gushed to WPVI-TV.

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