Same-Sex Couple Wins Somerville Prom Royalty

SOMERVILLE, MA – A same-sex couple became the Somerville High School prom's first royalty couple on Friday, a year after the student government voted to alter prom queen and king to be more inclusive. Learsi Ferrer and Miranda Melanson took home the title after winning it last year at their junior semi-formal.

According to a CBS Boston report, Melanson approached class advisor Kevin Dua about finding a way to win the prom court position with Ferrer as a couple, instead of as individuals. The question was put before the Class of 2017 student government, who voted to change the titles from Prom Queen and King.

"This Royalty crowning means more than a label; it means change. Our school and society are constantly changing and hopefully we (as young people) can positively impact the lives of other LGBTQ kids in any setting they are by example," Melanson said in a statement emailed by Dua.

Ferrer told CBS her classmates were very "welcoming" and "excited" about the couple taking home the crown two years in a row. She added in a statement through Dua that negativity – particularly on social media – exists but is not a constant in anyone's life. The bottom line? Always be confident and be yourself.

"Try not to be scared of the negativity. No matter what, there'll always be some, but there's definitely more love in the world than hate," she said. "Be confident and be yourself. At Somerville, we are fortunate that we were able to have found that love—from students, teachers, and even between us."

Photos of junior semi-formal and senior prom via Kevin Dua