The Chair of Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ Commission has recognized two transgender homecoming queens as “trailblazers” in the face of transphobic criticism.
Justice Horn, who achieved historical significance as the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s first openly gay multicultural student president, expressed his support for the two transgender homecoming queens from Kansas City on Twitter. On October 26, he announced that Tristan Young and Landon Patterson were being honored as part of LGBTQ+ History Month.
Horn wrote, “Both made history as the first and second Trans homecoming queens at Oak Park High School in Kansas City, thanks to their peers. May this Kansas City Resolution solidify our support for both of them and the greater Kansas City Trans community across our region.”
October is LGBTQ+ History Month and today, we’ve honored two young people and Trans trailblazers named, Tristan Young and Landon Patterson! 🏳️⚧️
— Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) October 26, 2023
Both made history after their peers made them the first and second Trans homecoming queen at Oak Park High School in Kansas City. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/LOumWdyi0P
Horn’s tribute to these homecoming queens comes in the wake of transphobic backlash that Tristan Young faced after being crowned homecoming queen in September. Young earned the title through a vote by 1,500 fellow students at Oak Park High School in Kansas City, surpassing four other candidates.
Young’s victory marked the second time since 2015 that the school elected a transgender student as homecoming queen, with the first being Landon Patterson. Following the news of Young’s win, some far-right figures, including Riley Gaines and Libs of TikTok, launched critical comments. Others made derogatory remarks about Young’s appearance and criticized her for being named homecoming queen, while some users threatened her with violence.
I want to pause and congratulate Tristan for being crowned Oak Park High School’s Homecoming Queen! 👑
— Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) September 19, 2023
I uplift this against the transphobic comments against this young person who was named queen by their peers. I’m thankful the next generation of Kansas City is so kind. 💓 https://t.co/MDpsuQJ14T
In response to the backlash, the 17-year-old Young told The Kansas City Star that she did not wish to waste her time trying to win over transphobic individuals. Despite the transphobic comments, which initially raised concerns about her safety according to her mother, Chari, Young felt overwhelmed by the support she received during this momentous achievement.
Amid the transphobic backlash, Justice Horn posted on social media to congratulate Young and wrote, “I stand against the transphobic comments directed at this young person, who was elected queen by their peers. I’m grateful that the next generation of Kansas City is so compassionate.”
