Welsh teen is crowned UK’s first ever transgender prom queen
‘It was the best moment of my life'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Welsh teenager is thought to be the UK’s first ever transgender prom queen after she was crowned by her fellow pupils.
Lori Beynon, 16, from Cardigan, West Wales, said it was the best moment of her life and that she felt completely overwhelmed as classmates presented her with a crown and sash.
“I was really excited to be going to prom anyway,” she told SWNS.
“I went with all my friends and I didn’t know, but they voted for me as prom queen.
“That was nice, but I never thought other people would too.
“When they called out my name it was amazing. It was quite scary walking up in front of everyone. It was probably the best moment of my life.
“Everyone was standing up and clapping. I didn’t feel like I was a girl – I felt like I was a queen.”
Beynon, who began transitioning two years ago, knew that she was a girl from the age of three but didn’t reveal her true identity to her mum until she turned 13.
Too afraid to tell her face-to-face, she sent her mum, Sarah, a text.
“Puberty was the worst time in my life. I would wake up and run over to the mirror and it was really hard to deal with,” she explained.
“I would be there looking at my face and thinking ‘do I have a beard?’
“I had to speak to my mum when I was 13. The thought of having to go through male puberty when you are a girl is heartbreaking.”
But, the teen needn’t have been concerned as her mum was completely supportive, adding that she “couldn’t be more proud” to see her daughter crowned prom queen.
“I’m not sure there’s been another transgender prom queen so I believe my daughter is the first,” she said.
After changing her name from Luis two years ago, Beynon admits that she never thought she would be given the coveted title but that it made her feel like a celebrity.
“I never thought at all that I would get prom queen. It was totally incredible.
”I just want to go as far as I can to feel authentic to myself and who I am. Being prom queen was one step closer.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments