Indiana transgender teen is prom queen finalist

18-year-old made the announcement online

Published

9 years ago

May 6, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via WGN-TV)

A transgender teen is a prom queen finalist at her high school in Portage, Ind.

WGN-TV reports Dakota is one of four prom queen finalists for Portage High School’s senior prom. The teen announced her nomination on the internet and says she is grateful for all of the support.

“They’re so proud of me. They tell me ‘Dakota, I love you. I’m so proud of you,” Dakota told WGN-TV. “I want to give everyone a hug and a kiss for being so supportive towards me. It’s overwhelming.”

The 18-year-old will learn if she’s won on Saturday, but she has bigger hopes for her accomplishment than just winning a title.

“I just want to be that positive influence in their life and they say ‘Hey, she can do this, I can do this too.’ I’m not going to let anyone discourage me from being who I am,” Dakota says.

Up Next

HOT 99.5 hosts Drag Queen Diva contest

Don't Miss

Ryan Murphy show ‘Feud’ follows Bette Davis-Joan Crawford rivalry

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Special guests include Ts Madison, Kerri Colby

Published

2 days ago

May 25, 2025

Michael Key

Ts Madison entertains at the Black Pride Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 23 at the Capital Hilton. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)