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:
âI was so overwhelmed.â
âI thought I was never going to be in this position.â
Addressing the conservative backlash, Young expressed she opted for the high road.
âIâve been told, âYouâre handling this with maturity.'"
âWhat I think is, âWhat is the use of fighting back?â I canât change anybodyâs mind.â
Even when her friends informed her of the negative chatter surrounding her win, Young told them she just wanted to enjoy her night.
âI donât want to think about that right now. Iâm at my senior homecoming.â
And the new queen also added she's going to make sure her win will "stay a joyous thing."
âIâm just not one of those people⌠I like to stay strong. I donât really buckle unless something is really wrong."
âRight now, whatâs happening is people are trying to turn a joyous thing into something that I should regret. But itâs going to stay a joyous thing.â
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\udc93â Justice Horn (@Justice Horn) 1695146297
@Northmen_OPHS LESSS GOOOOâ 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!!â 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!â Drew (@Drew) 1695314412
This. Is. Fantastic! Way to shine NKC Schools!â 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 #riseup4lgbtqâ Louise H. (@Louise H.) 1695136887
Give students the platform and they ALWAYS show off. Congrats Tristan!! #ForTheFam #WeAreOakParkâ Mr. Tombaugh (@Mr. Tombaugh) 1695384472
Congrats on being named Homecoming Queen Tristan! We are so proud of you!â Equality Kansas (@Equality Kansas) 1695162857
Congratulations Tristan!! You deserve the best!â \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.â Hans Jedermann (@Hans Jedermann) 1695404807
Young also noted that her community has been very supportive of her win.
âIâve had a lot of people congratulating me. The majority of people I have seen have been super sweet."
âPeople who went to my school, but I didnât know cared about me, like a bunch of boys on the baseball team, were commenting, âWeâve got your backâ."
âIn that moment, I had tears welling in my eyes because I felt so supported. I felt, âThis school wants me to be who I am, and not who other people want me to be.'"
Congrats on your win, Tristan!
@Sebachambe/X
@_e_tto/X
@tedcruz/X
@whatevervisions/X
@GroksHandler/X
@texan77581/X
u/CantStopPoppin/Reddit
u/Fullfullhar/Reddit
u/RealisticBus4443/Reddit
u/iampuh/Reddit
u/Throwaway-centralnj/Reddit
u/bac2qh/Reddit
u/pabloivan57/Reddit
u/jenroberts10156/Threads
u/priyankawalia/Threads
u/mi2media/Threads
u/b.a.d.company94/Threads
u/adventuredad2025/Threads
