This Trans Student Was Just Crowned King at His High School's Holiday Ball

Photo: @tyler_krayer (Instagram)

Tyler Krayer is 17 years old. He is a senior at Derby High School in suburban Wichita, Kansas. He has a really fun YouTube channel. He has been a local activist when it comes to issues affecting the local LGBTQ community. He is also transgender. 

Now, Tyler has one more thing to add to that long list of things that make him so amazing: student royalty.

Derby High hosts three dances a year where student royalty is nominated and crowned, and at this year's Holly Ball (their holiday-themed, winter dance) Tyler was not only nominated, he won!

He told the Wichita Eagle, "I was really surprised. I wasn’t expecting to win because there were so many, like, athletic candidates."

Tyler told us via Instagram, "It made me feel proud [to win], that there are accepting people in this world. It made me feel that I was doing something right in the world."

Over the summer, Tyler also spoke out about bathroom policies at his school. "I spoke to the Board of Education to let transgender students use the bathroom they identify with," he told us. "I also gave my personal experience with my old school and just things about the transgender community to educate the close minded people in the room."

Tyler transitioned at the age of 15. Bullied and harassed for being different, Tyler changed schools before attending Derby High School where he has been accepted. So much so, the student body nominated him to win the king's crown at the Holly Ball.

"I hope this helps kids, teens, or adults that are like me to know that they're not alone." 

And his advice for younger members of our LGBTQ community facing bullying at school?

"It does get better if you take action," he answered. "Sitting and letting the bullying keep happening won't help you or anyone. Speak out."

Watch this video below of Tyler speaking out about his experience being transgender:

h/t: NBC OUT