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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Blake Brockington is East Meck High School’s newest homecoming king. Β Seventeen-year-old Brockington identifies as transgender. Β Judging from the loud cheers and applause when his name was called during halftime of the varsity boy’s basketball game, many of his classmates apparently identify him as simply cool. Β When asked what it’s like to know he’s supported, Brockington says, “It felt amazing because I haven’t had that always, but now I have it.”Β
Β Brockington is the first transgender CMS student to be named homecoming king. Β If the trans community continues to grow in Charlotte, he won’t be the last. Β “This is a great example that even if we don’t understand, we can accept and we can continue to grow,” says Time Out Youth (TOY) Director of Youth Services O’Neale Atkinson.Β
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TOY, an LGBT community organization, just launched a transgender support group in response to growing demand. Β Atkinson says, “Eight years ago, the majority of our youth were gay men or lesbian women. Β Honestly, now, what I see is a lot of ‘queer pansexual’ or ‘trans romantic.'”Β
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Meaning, it’s no longer as simple (if it ever was) to just be a gay man or lesbian woman in Charlotte. Β There’s a lot more language to learn. Β Advocates say moments like Friday’s homecoming signify a step toward greater acceptance of a growing population. Β
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“They need that support and they need that safe space,” says Carrie Barto. Β She leads the trans support group at TOY. Β She says Charlotte is becoming more and more inclusive of the LGBT community and points to several indicators as examples: this week, UNC Charlotte hosted nationally-known transgender speaker and actress Laverne Cox. Β Companies like Bank of America and Wells Fargo provide transgender bathrooms to their employees. Β And there’s even an app to help trans users find safe restrooms.Β
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Atkinson says, “It makes me proud to be a part of Charlotte, without a doubt.”Β
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It makes East Meck’s new homecoming king proud, too. Β Brockington says, “That’s an honor. Β That’s an honor to be a part of East Meck’s history.”
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Brockington raised more than $3,000 for charity in his bid for king. Β The TOY transgender support group is open to kids ages 13 to 20. They meet once a week.
