High school crowns two female students 'homecoming royalty' as it announces end to gendered titles

School says the change in terminology was made 'to reflect the voice' of student body

High school crowns homecoming royalty and announces gender-neutral titles in future (Facebook/ Milford Schools)

A high school is now using gender-neutral titles instead of homecoming king and queen, and has just crowned two female students “homecoming royalty”.

On Friday, Milford High School in Milford, Ohio, added female seniors Abbey Stropes and Trinity Miller to the homecoming court during a football game.

According to the Milford Exempted Village School District, which shared the students’ achievement on Facebook, gender-neutral titles will be used going forward “to ensure all students have the opportunity to feel included”.

“This change in terminology was made to reflect the voice of Milford’s student body,” the district wrote on Facebook, before explaining that the change was decided after a “female student appeared on the ballot as one of the students eligible to be voted as ‘king’’ and later received the most votes from her classmates.

“Moving forward, Milford High School will not use the term ‘king and queen’ to refer to the two students who receive the highest votes from their peers,” the post states. “They will be known this year and in the future as ‘homecoming royalty.’”

The post also includes a statement from school principal Josh Kauffman, who expressed his support for the decision.

“The selection of our homecoming royalty is an opportunity for our students to have their voice heard,” Kauffman said. “I fully support the voice and choice demonstrated by our students in selecting this year’s homecoming royalty.”

In response to the post, which has been liked more than 500 times, people have praised the school for its acceptance.

“Thank you Milford Administration for being proactive in your inclusivity,” one person commented.

Another said: “Thank you so much for honouring the students’ wishes! This generation is making great strides in increasing inclusivity and I’m grateful that you are supporting them.”