Lesbian Couple Crowned Prom King and Queen in Florida High School

A same-sex couple was crowned prom king and queen last month at a Florida high school.

Lindsey Creel and Brie Grimes made local history by becoming the first same-sex couple to reign at Leon High School in Tallahassee.

In an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, the pair discussed how their newfound high-school royalty is more than a personal win, but also a symbol of hope for other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.

“It feels good to know some of the things we’ve been a part of can help others going through tough experiences, in a positive way,” Grimes said. “I needed someone in my life to show me that it would work out — when I was first going through this years ago. But I didn’t have that.”

“I hope that people will look at this and more will begin to think that it’s okay to be supportive of the LBTQ community,” Creel added. “Leon often talks about change. ... This is a good example for younger students there.”

Leon High School has had a gay-straight alliance since 2001, although school administrators initially pushed to call it a “Tolerance Club” for fear it might be targeted.

For the organization’s sponsor, history teacher Scott Brown, the coronation of Creel and Grimes demonstrates the progress of LGBT rights in the community.

“It makes me feel proud to know that the majority of Leon students are open-minded and agree with today’s changing mores,” he said. “Leon may be a traditional school, but we can be known as progressive.”

The mother of Grimes posted a photograph of the couple to Instagram along with a moving message of support.

“As Brie’s mom I am proud of her for choosing love, for being bold and sticking to the things she believes in even if they are different than mine and much of the world," she wrote. "She is a beautiful person and made a gorgeous prom queen with a sharp prom king!”

Foothill High School could learn a lesson from Leon. The Northern California school’s prom policy, claiming gender discrimination, makes it impossible for two queens to reign. However, a lesbian couple is fighting it.