Memphis High School Senior Brandon Allen Wears Dress As He Was Crowned Homecoming Royalty, Eliminating King and Queen Title

Students at White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee decided it was time for a change and crowned WSHS senior Brandon Allen as Homecoming Royalty, eliminating the King and Queen titles and making a statement of acceptance.

Allen was crowned homecoming royalty Friday and wore a gold dress during the ceremony. The high school posted a picture of him in the dress on Facebook and Twitter holding a bouquet of flowers and donning a crown. The photo had hundreds of comments and shares on the school’s Facebook page by Saturday night.

Principal Carrye Holland said, “It’s the students’ choice of who they want to support as homecoming royalty. I’m exceedingly proud to be the principal of our amazing school. WSHS loves and supports everyone regardless of who they are or what they believe.”

Many praised Brandon for his choice in attire, while others were critical in their opinions. Holland said it is Brandon’s right to run for homecoming court under Title IX, which protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funding.

Joris M. Ray, superintendent of Shelby County Schools in Memphis said, “The District is committed to ensuring a positive and respectful school environment where everyone is treated with dignity. Homecoming queen and king is a tradition based on 100 percent of student votes. As Superintendent, I support student voice and expression.”