Can you run for prom queen if you’re a boy? or prom king if you’re a girl?
Well, 18-year-old Sergio Garcia of Fairfax High School in California did — and won.
Competing 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?
