Pansexual Couple Crowned As 'Homecoming Princesses' In Santa Rosa
SANTA ROSA (CBS SF) -- Two teenagers are conquering traditional homecoming norms at a Santa Rosa high school with the help of their classmates at Maria Carrillo High School.
Juniors Shealynn and Charley were named homecoming royalty Friday evening, becoming the first same-sex couple in the school's history to win the title.
Two tiaras were placed on the head of the "princesses" during the football halftime celebration. The couple who identify as pansexual -- a sexual or emotional attraction toward people of any sex or gender identity -- were nominated by an "overwhelming number of votes" for Junior Homecoming Queens, according to Shealynn's mom Yvonne Stillman.
Stillman said after reading the story about the lesbian couple in Arizona denied to run due to a school practice where homecoming royalty must be made up of a male and female pair, her family wanted to share with the world that change is possible and happening. "I believe our daughter's story sends a message of hope on the message of gender equality," Stillman said.
A fellow student suggested to the couple that they should run. The word spread quick, and classmates starting nominating them.
"The way the students and especially staff have behaved has been beyond what we thought was possible," Stillman said. "They've been nothing but supportive."
Stillman said the 16 year olds were even asked if they preferred to be Duchess and Duchess or King and Queen.
The couple say they are shocked at all the support they've received from their student body and teachers.
"I guess they were expecting a little hate and they said they've felt zero," Stillman said. "They said, 'We hope that this will help others who want to come out, see that it's OK and safe.'"
The couple recently spent the afternoon looking for dresses just in time for the homecoming ceremonies this Friday.
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