A Transgender Prom King- The Courage of Today's LGBT Youth

I read an interesting story this morning on CNN.com about Cinthia, a.k.a. Tony Covarrubias, a transgender teen who is running for the title of Prom King at her high school in Fresno, CA.

This story really hit home for me because it shows how much progress has been made regarding social acceptance of L.G.B.T. youth in our public school systems. I find it fascinating that a little over a decade since I was in high school, a biological female is able to compete with the "guys" for such a title, even more amazing is the support that she's received from other kids in the school and that s/he's actually getting votes!

When I was Tony's age, I knew I was queer, but was so afraid of coming out that I tried my best to blend in with the straight girls, knowing inside that I had little in common with them and felt uncomfortable in their clothes. I went to a friend of mine's prom, as his date. I wore the dress, heels and make-up and hated every second of it, wishing I was able to wear a tuxedo and have a pretty girl as a date. I don't even know Tony but I am proud of such an achievement and I'm routing that s/he wins.

In 2000, California passed a law protecting students' ability to express their gender identity on campus. This is the law that made it possible for Tony to run for Prom King, which is in line with her masculine gender identity. However, the Human Rights Campaign reports that only five states, California, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico and Rhode Island have statutes that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. This sad fact is a wake-up call to the fact that there is still very much work to be done with regards to equal rights laws in our country. This is America people, where we should all have equal rights regardless of our differences. Isn’t that what’s supposed to be so great about being an American? Why is it that so many other nations are passing laws protecting their lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender citizens and we have yet to grant the same rights to our people? I as well as so many Americans long for a day where we are treated as equals.

My wife and I recently became co-facilitators of our local L.G.B.T. community center’s youth group. These kids are incredible, after each meeting, we spend the ride home talking about what we got out of the meeting, and how amazed we are at the strength and courage these kids have. It’s amazing how comfortable most of these young people are with their sexual orientations and gender identities. These are the same issues that took until my adult years to fully accept and figure out. I feel extremely fortunate to know these kids and I look forward to seeing them grow into adults.

I remember a few years back when I first heard about same-sex prom dates. Now a transgender Prom King! Queer kids today are so strong, so out, so proud. I look up to them and support them and wish for them a future free of discrimination and full of acceptance and equality. I have faith that these courageous kids will be the ones to change these ancient laws of ours country wide.

To Tony - Stand tall, be proud of yourself, and rock the hell out of that tux whether you win that crown or not, you’re a King, little dude!