Karl Cruz is an 18-year-old high school student at Sweetwater Union High School in National City, California. She was recently voted homecoming queen by her classmates. When she won the honor she couldn't stop crying, and there's a really great reason why.
By being named this year's homecoming queen, Cruz made SUHI history.
She holds the honor of being their first-ever transgender homecoming queen.
Karl spoke out about her overwhelming emotions after being announced the winner.
"Everyone started cheering for me. I didn't really expect that from anyone. After the fireworks, I just started crying my eyes out."
She later took to Instagram to share her thanks for the overwhelming support she has received.
SUHI's principal, Maribel Gavin, also spoke out about how proud she was for her students to make such a gesture of inclusion and acceptance.
"I was extremely proud. I can't say I was surprised. Every single student should be accepted for who they are. They're all wonderful human beings that are here to learn."
Karl also told ABC News 10 that she knows not everyone accepts her for who she is.
"Every opinion is valid, but some opinions can be really harsh. So I would just say to keep it to yourself. If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say it at all."
Watch ABC News 10's full report here.
People from National City and far beyond have nothing more to say to Cruz other than, "yas queen!"
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Sweetwater High's inclusivity wasn't just limited to Karl. Her counterpart of homecoming king went to her openly gay classmate, Jonathan. He, too, posted on Instagram to express his gratitude for such an accepting student body.
H/T: Instagram, Pink News, San Diego Gay & Lesbian News, YouTube
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