Transgender teen nominated for homecoming queen in Huntington Beach

A transgender teen is making history at Marina High School in Huntington Beach after she was selected as one of the top 10 finalists for homecoming queen.

Cassidy Lynn Campbell was born Lance Campbell, but has been living as a woman for the last three years.

The 16-year-old said she has always felt trapped in the wrong body, even as a child.

According to Campbell, her shot at becoming homecoming queen isn’t just about a title but a hard-fought token of acceptance.

“Gay people have been brought into the limelight and it’s a very touched-on subject,” Cassidy Campbell said. “It’s much more talked about than transgender is.”

Campbell, who was also making waves online with her popular video blogs, admitted her sexual expression has come at a price, including cyber bullying and even face-to-face harassment in the hallways at school.

The issue of transgender expression within the public school system has reached national attention with the efforts of California Gov. Jerry Brown, who recently signed a controversial bill into law which allows transgender students in public schools to “participate in sex-segregated programs, activities, and facilities” in line with their birth gender and self-perception.

Still, Campbell’s mother worries about her daughter’s safety.

“I’m so glad that so many people have walked this path before her and have laid the groundwork,” said Christine Campbell, Cassidy’s mother.

Cassidy hopes to be a model of social change, with a crown in tow, at this year’s homecoming.

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