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US high school crowns a transgender prom queen

Maka Brown crowned Salt Lake School for performing arts prom queen. Photo: Yahoo via GAM
Maka Brown crowned Salt Lake School for performing arts prom queen. Photo: Yahoo via GAM

Maka Brown, a student at Salt Lake School for Performing Arts, was voted prom queen by her peers, most of whom first met her when she was a boy. accepted her crown on Saturday night after being voted upon by her peers, many of whom first knew her as a boy.

The 18-year-old's mother, Toni Brown, told ABC News, "She started that school about the same time that she transitioned. There were definite challenges. Everyone had to learn and come to terms with it."

While Maka was unavailable for comment, her mother described her as "just a beautiful boy" before the transition, who suffered from depression and feelings of insecurity.

Brown says her daughter first learned the word "transgender" at a Pride festival and immediately felt relief that she was not alone. Since then the family has been fully supportive of Maka's transition.

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Brown and the school’s principal, Dr. Susan Brady, both praised Maka's classmates for being so supportive.

Dr Brady told ABC News "This school is extremely accepting and non-discriminatory and we are very, very proud of Maka and this incredible voting on her to be prom queen by the student body."

And while Bruce Jenner's announcement about his transition has made headlines worldwide, Brown says Maka has shown little interest, saying "What's the big deal? That's normal."