Christian and Caleb, prom king and queen (screen shot, WNTW)

This year’s prom season has seen a huge uptick in positive proms for LGBT teens. Blacksburg, Virginia openly gay senior Jake Boyer was crowned prom queen. Boyer–senior class secretary, a choir member, and editor of his school’s literary magazine who came out last year and dressed as Lady GaGa for his big night–was encouraged by his prom reign:

More than anything, this experience just gave me hope for the future. Like, oh my gosh, this little town in the middle of Virginia is able to be this open

At McFatter Tech High School in Davies, Florida, Andii Viveros was elected prom queen. Andii submitted an essay to the school board on the difficulties of life as a transgender teen, and while she experienced a backlash from some students, she was crowned May 27. Her prom king was Juan Macias, an openly gay male student.

And in Sanford Maine–Maine is one of two New England states to deny marriage equality–openly gay 17 year-old Christian Nelsen was crowned Sanford High School’s Prom Queen and his equally out boyfriend Caleb Jett was elected prom king with the help of friends using write-in votes. Both wore tuxedos with their crowns and shared the King and Queen Dance. Talk About Equality reported:

This interview from WNTW News 8 mentions that while some were very happy for the results of the election, others were very unhappy. News 8 tried to interview dozens of people and those who were against it declined to comment on camera – one even said he was afraid of offending someone. How wonderful is it when those who are on the wrong side of history and humanity can acknowledge their ignorance and bigotry through their silence.

Yes, Constance, it does get better.