A transgender high school student in Colorado was crowned her high school's homecoming princess on Friday, according to the Associated Press. Scarlett Lenh, a 16-year-old junior at Sand Creek High School Colorado Springs, said she didn't expect to be nominated in the first place.
"One of my friends mentioned it, and I didn't think anything of it because I didn't think I'd be nominated. But, now, it really matters to me," Lenh told the Gazette of Colorado Springs. "This is something I've wanted to do since my freshman year. I want people to be themselves and not feel uncomfortable in their own body and mind."
Lenh said two of her fellow students also nominated for the honor were "extremely supportive," while another was "really upset." Overall, Lenh is overwhelmed by the support she has received, despite the hurtful, anti-transgender comments from some in her community. “For every one person that does not like what I'm doing, I know that there's 100 that support me,” she told KDRO.
Sand Creek High School is in Falcon School District 49 and shares a city with the anti-LGBT group, Focus on the Family. However, district spokesperson Matt Meister said in a statement:
"The leaders at Sand Creek High School and in District 49 respect the decision of the Scorpion student body in electing their homecoming court. Our board policy sets the standard that we do not exclude any person from participating in any program or activity on the basis of gender identity and gender expression."
One student at Sand Creek High, Shana Berhite, spoke out in support of Lenh and the school district's acceptance of her, saying:
"I think you should be your own person and it's awesome they are letting Scarlett be her. It's inspiring to other kids. Be yourself. Don't be anything but yourself."
Another student added:
"I'm fine with it. She can do whatever she wants. She's perfect the way she is."
Last year, transgender teenager Cassidy Lynn Campbell was elected homecoming queen at her high school in Huntington Beach, California. As schools around the country begin classes again, GLAAD urges the media to continue highlighting stories of LGBT students.