William And Mary Crowns Transgender Homecoming Queen

10/27/09-by Paula Brooks

Photo- Joe Fudge, Daily Press / October 24, 2009

Virginia’s William and Mary’s Jessee Vasold made history this weekend when she became that schools first transgender homecoming queen.

Vasold, a junior who identifies as “gender-queer,” took to the field to except the homecoming crown at halftime of the William and Mary’s game against James Madison wearing a red shirt, black pants and a small silver lip ring to applause from the crowd.

“I knew I was nominated, but I was just surprised, because there were a lot of other really good candidates on the ballot,” Vasold told the Williamsburg Daily Press. “I know all of the other girls, and they’re wonderful people, really friendly. So I was surprised.”

Gender-queer the term for those who identify with something other than traditional male or female gender roles.

“Normally, it really just depends on the day, how I dress,” said Vasold, who prefers gender-neutral pronouns – “ze” instead of he or she and “zir” instead of him or her. “I don’t identify as a woman. It really just depends on the day and the occasion.”

William and Mary president Taylor Reveley said he had no problem with Vasold’s selection, made in nominations and voting by students.

“I knew Jessee before,” Reveley said. “(It’s) a little more publicity than normal for a homecoming queen, but it’s just fine.”

Vasold, said family members were in town for homecoming, and while they have been “generally” supportive, some were unsure about Vasold’s decision to accept the homecoming title.

“They’re a little hesitant about this, but they realize that it’s my choice to accept,” Vasold said.

Vasold is the student assembly undersecretary of diversity initiatives for the college’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs.

Last year, Vasold was co-president of the Lamba Alliance, the school’s GLBT advocacy group.

Paula Brooks | Create Your Badge