Massachusetts transgender teen crowned Barnstable High prom king: 'Eighth grade me would have never thought I'd be here'
Barnstable High senior Nick Bulman was seen walking to his senior prom on Friday night beaming with a contagious smile. It was a very long and taxing journey for him to get to his special night.
As reported by CBS Boston, Bulman shared, "Eighth grade me would have never thought I would be here. Especially in a tux." Nick was actually born Nicole and revealed he had always felt very out of place with who he was until he came out as transgender last year. "It just feels like a weight’s off my shoulders like I can be more free and open with all those around me and I’m happy with myself," Bulman added.
Students attended the 'Great Gatsby' themed prom celebration Friday in Barnstable, Massachusetts, and chose Bulman as prom king out of a group of five young men. Kalyani Clarke who is a friend of Bulman's was crowned prom queen. According to the Cape Cod Times, Bulman said, "It was a really fun night. Everyone looked dapper and beautiful."
Class adviser Lyn Vazquez said, "He’s just an all-around great person," referring to Bulman before adding how friendly he is and mentioning his involvement with the community and extracurricular activities. "Teachers at Barnstable High School felt Nick was a great candidate," Vazquez added.
The Barnstable High community has been very accepting and supporting of Bulman's transition. Last fall, his field hockey team decided to hold a special pride game for him. When prom was coming to an end Friday night, the votes were counted and tallied and Bulman emerged the prom king.
Nick's mother Jaime Gallagher shared, "I love the fact that Barnstable High School validated and acknowledged Nick in that way," to which Bulman added, "It’s been like a really nice surprise and kind of a great acknowledgment from my peers and my community." Bulman added that true victory was being able to share his story by bringing awareness of the LGBTQ community.
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