At the time of his crowning, Zachary’s appearance on the football field in a sparkling gold gown, accepting the crown and sash, was captured on video and quickly circulated online.
It was just really special to me,” Zachary told KOMU 8 news during the event, emphasizing that the victory held deep personal meaning beyond its symbolic significance.
The unusual nature of Zachary’s win, however, drew both praise and criticism.
On one hand, supporters celebrated the milestone as a step toward inclusivity and acceptance, recognizing the courage it took to challenge conventional gender norms in a high school setting.
On the other hand, critics expressed outrage online, framing the victory as controversial and questioning whether a male student should ever hold the title of “homecoming queen.”
Social media became a battleground, with debates about tradition, gender identity, and the evolving meaning of school rituals dominating discussions across platforms.
Rather than withdrawing from the spotlight, Zachary embraced it, using the moment to further express his identity and creativity.
Even before the crowning, he had started a TikTok account, and after the event, his following rapidly grew.Continue reading…
