W&M students elect transgender Queen

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Saturday was homecoming at The College of William & Mary and the Tribe sent everybody home happy by defeating James Madison in football. But Monday the talk on campus wasn't about the game. Instead it's about what happened during halftime.

Every year the student body elects a homecoming court, but this year there was a first for the college. The students elected a transgender person as homecoming queen.

"I think you always have to have an open mind," said William & Mary junior Jimmy Sharkey. "It's good to see something diverse and I'm glad she's a part of it. I'm glad I'm a part of it."

The students chose junior Jessee Vasold, who doesn't like to be called either a man or a woman.

"He is transgender and he does dress as a woman on occasion," said one William & Mary senior.

Vasold says it was really surprising being both nominated and then winning. Students say that's what the College is all about.

"If he associates himself as a woman then should have the same opportunities as everyone else," added William & Mary sophomore Jordan Salyers.

WAVY.com talked to Vasold by phone and he said it's one thing to say William & Mary is a diverse community, but another to see it acted out by the students.

College officials told WAVY.com the homecoming court is only decided by the students and the choice for queen is reflective of William & Mary.

Students stand behind Vasold, but some can understand why others would be upset.

"I think it would have been great to nominate him for the homecoming king position, but I think either way people would have made a big deal about it," added a College senior.