A homecoming queen
Recently another school year ended for many teens all over the country. In towns from New York to California, Homecoming Queens were crowned. In 2015 however, one Homecoming Queen was crowned at Oak Park High, a Kansas City suburb that would forever change the game. Landon Patterson became the first transgender girl to be named Homecoming Queen and since then has been on quite an incredible journey.
Recently, the team over at Glamour Boutique have been working on bringing our readers more personal stories from within the community. We hope by hearing these stories that those of you out there can not only learn from these amazing people, but also realize you are not alone and that there are many other people around the world that are feeling the same way you do. So, when we first met Landon, we knew she was the perfect choice for us to launch our new series.
The Kansas City native, now 20 and still living in her hometown, is a role model for all Trans teens out there and someone we should all keep on our radar as Landon is definitely destined for big things!
Now, let’s get to know Landon a little bit…
Many people know you as the first transgender girl to be named homecoming queen. How does it feel to know you were the first at something so monumental? Not many people can say they were ever in that kind of position to be the first at something as important as this.
It honestly feels so amazing to know I am part of something so monumental and it really makes me proud of who I am. It really has helped me in my confidence as a transgender woman and It makes me so happy that I was able to make history and pave the way somehow for future trans youth and individuals.
When did you first know you were transgender?
I always knew something was different about me from a very young age, I just did not know there was a term (transgender) that would explain why I felt the way I did. I just never felt like one of the boys. I wanted long hair, I was sneaking into my moms makeup, I was always with the girls, and I definitely knew I liked boys to. Later on in life when I finally came to the realization that I was transgender I was about 16 years old and Gigi Gorgeous uploaded her coming out video and all I could do is cry. I cried because it finally hit me that I was transgender too.
Did you have the support of your family through your transition and when you first told them that you were transgender?
At first it was a little bumpy because my mother didn’t really understand. So she was just very confused and scared what would lie ahead. She was always supportive of me and didn’t care when I came out as gay but this was definitely going to be a lot different. So once she really saw this is something that needed to happen for me and my happiness she came around. Ever since then, my mom and my family have been nothing but supportive.
In 2015 you were named Homecoming Queen. Walk us through that day. Were you made aware of the honor prior to that day? How did your fellow classmates and community react.
At my highschool they hold a nomination table with a piece of paper with all of the names of the senior girls. It was so amazing because my school was supportive of my transition and recognized that I identify as female so my name was on the list. So when nominations are in, a group of seniors call the parents of the candidates and tell them they are gonna come wake them up in the middle of the night. It is a huge tradition at Oak Park High. The whole thing is super secretive. So when I was woken up I was in so much shock and felt so much honor to even be up. Then when it comes to nominating the queen the whole school gets to vote through an anonymous online poll. So I didn’t know I won till they announced it that day on the football field. Which was one of the happiest moments of my life.
You’ve been very open about your transition process on your YouTube channel. Because of your notoriety, do you feel a responsibility to others that may be behind closed doors to tell them it’s ok to have these feelings and to strive for being who they truly are.
With everything that has happened I do feel that I have a responsibility to share my journey and educate through social media and YouTube. I was doing so a little before but after winning homecoming and gaining a bigger following I don’t only do it for me anymore but I do it for my audience. I make the videos to help educate people who don’t understand and for those who are going through something similar. I didn’t have a ton of people to watch to help make my transition easier so I am trying to be that for people.
How far along are you with your transition?
That is a question a lot of trans individuals get that isn’t always the best because usually it is referring to the surgerys. Which society thinks depending on your surgeries defines your womanhood. I’m super open but I will just say that I am 3 years into my transition and that I am in a very happy place.
You’ve brought up your dating life before as well. What’s your current status? How do you handle first dates and meeting potential mates?
As of right now I am currently single but I am pursuing someone and it’s going well. When it comes to dating though I am always open and honest about being transgender because my safety depends on it. So if I am meeting someone on a date or the intentions of it developing into something more than friends I always disclose that I am trans. I think it’s fair for both people that way. I am proud of who I am so it is important I find someone who is to and loves me for who I am. Yes some guys turn me down once they find out but I clearly wouldn’t want those ones in my life anyway.
You’ve had so many amazing experiences at such a young age. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I see myself living in LA traveling all over educating and advocating for trans rights in someway whether its beauty, modeling, or just telling my story on a bigger level.
Are you in school? If you are what are you studying?
I just graduated esthetician school and got my license. So I am a certified to do makeup, waxing, facials, etc.
How often do you post to your IG account?
It honestly depends but I try to post at least once a week if not more! Its like my digital diary and where I can connect with my following.
What do you enjoy most about posting on IG?
I love getting to document my journey and express myself on IG. The most amazing part is I get to help inspire and connect with others because of IG. It allows me to have platform to connect and educate.
Your IG is like a timeline of your transition. Do you feel that your IG page is your digital history book of your journey?
Absolutely! That’s why I keep all my old photos because I want people to be able to see what I have gone through to become the woman I am today. It’s also nice for me to look back on a realize that I have come a long way.
Do you enjoy modeling?
I love modeling! Being behind a camera is where I feel most comfortable. Modeling as a transgender woman is also super important because more people need to see women like us doing it.
Tell us a few things we may not know about you.
I am a performer at Hamburger Marys, so I also do drag which is a huge hobby of mine. I’m obsessed with spicy foods like buffalo wings or hot cheetos! I cannot stand bugs and that goes for any type. I love going shopping. I feel in my element when I do that. I also love going to the beach whenever I travel it’s so relaxing.
I would consider you a role model for others in the community. Do you get contacted often by others who look to you for advice or help with their journeys?
I do get a lot of messages or comments asking for advice. I always try and reply as well and give it to the best of my ability.
Thanks so much Landon! Do you have anything else you’d like to say to everyone out there who is reading this interview?
Always live as your true authentic self. Some will love and some will hate it but all that matters is that you love yourself.
To keep up with Landon, check out her Instagram @landonpatterson and her YouTube channel at m.youtube.com/channel/UCxM-E26H6uhUFs2Yz9GFfmA
For more life stories about beautiful and brave people in our community, check out the other articles in our Crossdressing Stories section of the Glamour Boutique blog.
