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Newly-crowned trans homecoming queen Tristan Young isn't going to let transphobic conservative comments rain on her parade.
The 17-year-old from Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Missouri took the crown last week after a vote by 1500 of her schoolmates.
And though she won fair and square, the anti-trans outrage flooded the internet amidst her victory.
But she's not going to let a bunch of right-wing transphobes ruin her moment.
Young told The Kansas City Star:
“I was so overwhelmed.”
“I thought I was never going to be in this position.”
Addressing the conservative backlash, Young expressed she opted for the high road.
“I’ve been told, ‘You’re handling this with maturity.'"
“What I think is, ‘What is the use of fighting back?’ I can’t change anybody’s mind.”
Even when her friends informed her of the negative chatter surrounding her win, Young told them she just wanted to enjoy her night.
“I don’t want to think about that right now. I’m at my senior homecoming.”
And the new queen also added she's going to make sure her win will "stay a joyous thing."
“I’m just not one of those people… I like to stay strong. I don’t really buckle unless something is really wrong."
“Right now, what’s happening is people are trying to turn a joyous thing into something that I should regret. But it’s going to stay a joyous thing.”
People on social media took the opportunity to congratulate Young on her win and to commend her for taking the high road amid so much hate.
I want to pause and congratulate Tristan for being crowned Oak Park High School\u2019s Homecoming Queen! \ud83d\udc51\n\nI uplift this against the transphobic comments against this young person who was named queen by their peers. I\u2019m thankful the next generation of Kansas City is so kind. \ud83d\udc93— Justice Horn (@Justice Horn) 1695146297
@Northmen_OPHS LESSS GOOOO— TTVBaconDark (@TTVBaconDark) 1694831910
@JusticeHorn_ Seems Tristan was voted by her peers. It\u2019s their school and their memories. No one can take it away from them. Congratulations to this very diverse group of students for being bigger and bolder!! You all should be very proud and excited for your future!!— cbroomby (@cbroomby) 1695356011
Kids voted for their peer, a trans girl, to he homecoming queen. The conservatives are losing their minds. Congrats to Tristan and her schoolmates for their acceptance and love. This is what it\u2019s all about!— Drew (@Drew) 1695314412
This. Is. Fantastic! Way to shine NKC Schools!— shashlynn (@shashlynn) 1695411369
Its not often this app catches me in tears. But it did today. \nThis generation of Honey Badgers are the most sincere, empathetic generation. The future with them is bright. This is how you #riseup4lgbtq— Louise H. (@Louise H.) 1695136887
Give students the platform and they ALWAYS show off. Congrats Tristan!! #ForTheFam #WeAreOakPark— Mr. Tombaugh (@Mr. Tombaugh) 1695384472
Congrats on being named Homecoming Queen Tristan! We are so proud of you!— Equality Kansas (@Equality Kansas) 1695162857
Congratulations Tristan!! You deserve the best!— \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0fIridescent, M.S.Ed. (@\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0fIridescent, M.S.Ed.) 1695160867
It sounds like the kids in this High School are being raised up right. Decency and Love will always conquer hate in the end.— Hans Jedermann (@Hans Jedermann) 1695404807
Young also noted that her community has been very supportive of her win.
“I’ve had a lot of people congratulating me. The majority of people I have seen have been super sweet."
“People who went to my school, but I didn’t know cared about me, like a bunch of boys on the baseball team, were commenting, ‘We’ve got your back’."
“In that moment, I had tears welling in my eyes because I felt so supported. I felt, ‘This school wants me to be who I am, and not who other people want me to be.'"
Congrats on your win, Tristan!