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Askthejudge.info features regular updates from the news, important decisions from the nation′s courts, and online discussions with Judge Tom. Find out everything you need to know about youth rights, juvenile law and juvenile justice. AsktheJudge – Empowering youth one question at a time.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is made available to the general public and is not intended to serve as legal advice.You should consult a trained legal professional in your area for questions you may have about the laws affecting juveniles or any legal interpretations.

Copyright, 2014
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May 29, 2009
Judge Tom
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Can you run for prom queen if you’re a boy? or prom king if you’re a girl?

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Well, 18-year-old Sergio Garcia of Fairfax High School in California did — and won.

promqueensergiogarciaCompeting against several female classmates, Sergio, who is openly gay, started his campaign as a challenge and a bit of a stunt. He told his senior class not to worry – if he won he wouldn’t wear a dress. “I will be wearing a suit,” he said, “but don’t be fooled, deep down inside, I am a queen.”

Sergio emphasized that the annual competition was no longer about the best-looking boy and girl at school or who wears the coolest clothes. “Sure, I’m not your typical prom queen candidate. There’s more to me than meets the eye,” he told his class.

Sergio’s campaign became serious and sparked dialogue about gender roles on campus. He commented that running for prom king didn’t feel right. “I don’t wish to be a girl. I just wish to be myself,” he said. Sergio was crowned prom queen last Saturday night.

So, what do  you think? What do you base your vote on in school elections  – personality, appearance, gender, race or religion? Do those  things matter? Or does what the candidate say and stand for make a difference? How do you feel about tradition versus change?

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The Author Judge Tom

Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing) and 'Every Vote Matters: the Power of Your Voice, from Student Elections to the Supreme Court' (Free Spirit Publishing). In 2020, the American Bar Association published "Cyberbullying Law," the nation's first case-law book written for lawyers, judges and law students. When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom volunteers with the American Red Cross and can be found hiking, traveling and reading.

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