A common problem faced in schools nationwide is the exclusion and repeated humiliation of LGBTQ+ students. Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." All students at Countryside deserve equal opportunities, no questions asked.

Recently, I was told that my partner and I could not run for homecoming court together unless she legally changed her gender to male. It almost felt like my request was a joke in the eyes of our leadership. We are both extremely involved in our school community and have dedicated a lot of our time to working with Countryside administration. I’m extremely disappointed that our administration would rather stick to “tradition”, then see ALL students enjoying their high school experience. 

The “king” and “queen” structure is simply not inclusive to the student body. There are many students who are in cis-gender heterosexual relationships, but there are just as many in LGBTQ+ relationships. We are just as much a part of our school. By allowing LGBTQ+ couples the opportunity to run with other students, this will prevent the public and continued ostracism of the queer student body.This is also a great chance to recognize, share, and embrace the diversity in our school. For so long, LGBTQ+ students have felt unsafe and unrecognized at school.

Let’s change this by allowing all LGBTQ+ students the equal opportunity to participate in all elections, the same as cis-gender and heterosexual students do (i.e. homecoming, prom, any other dance election, superlative, etc.). To be clear I’m not saying don’t allow cis gender heterosexual couples to run, but at least let LGBTQ+ students have the same opportunity.