School Drops Queen, King for Gender-Neutral Homecoming Titles

In an attempt to be more inclusive of its entire student body, administrators of a Michigan high school have decided to drop "king" and "queen" from its homecoming royalty titles, opting instead for gender-neutral titles.

Transgender student Oak Reed (pictured) was elected homecoming king in September 2010,  but the school denied him his crown because he was officially enrolled as female at Mona Shores High School in Muskegon, Mich. Soon after the decision made headlines across the country, administrators including superintendent Terry Babbitt started discussing, with colleagues and students, how to make a more inclusive homecoming court, according to the Muskegon Chronicle.

“I’m so glad that the rules have been changed,” Reed said in a statement Tuesday. “All I wanted was a chance for all students to participate and be heard. Now my classmates and I can just focus on having a great time at our school dance.”

In addition to the homecoming court changes, Reed can wear the tuxedo worn by male students for band performances, and he plans to wear a blue cap and gown for graduation, also worn by male students.