On February 14, 2009, Â鶹ÊÓƵ student Ryan Allen, competing under his drag queen persona of Reann Ballslee, was crowned Ms. Â鶹ÊÓƵ at the Homecoming basketball game in front of a near sold-out crowd. Allen competed against two women for the homecoming queen title. The story went out on the Associated Press wire and was picked up around the country, with the Washington Post and USA Today also covering the event.
The following year, Allen helped by changing the competition titles Mr. and Ms. Â鶹ÊÓƵ to the gender-neutral Â鶹ÊÓƵ Majesty.
On the 10-year anniversary of the day, Ballslee posted a photo from that day on her account, writing: 10 years ago I found out how much LOVE surrounded me at when I was crowned Ms Â鶹ÊÓƵ 2009. ðŸÃõ Today, give as much love and support as you can to those around you. And remember, I love you! â¤ï¸
Photo credit: Teddy Meyer/Broadside
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