A TikTok video that went viral with more than 167,000 views shows Cristian Hernandez, an 18 year-old drag queen was crowned prom king at Jeffersonville high school in Indiana. Hernandez, a non-binary student, who felt the support from their fellow classmates during prom night, can be seen strutting down a red carpet to claim their crown as students cheer and applaud them. 

@hotboycristian king… queen… whatever you wanna call it im still that bitch #prom #promking #promqueen #drag #gay #LGBT #mothersday #queen #rupualsdragrace #makeup ♬ original sound – Cristian?

“In my head I’m thinking, “I’m not going to win.’ I was just praying to the gay lords,” they said about the moment.

Hernandez says they wanted to do something crazy for prom and decided to dress in their drag queen attire. After hours of getting ready, Hernandez stunned the crowd in their sequin dress, heels, feather boa and blonde wig. They were crowned prom king while competing along with four male students dressed in suits. 

Jeffersonville high school is located in a primarily conservative region and some of the males in the school did not support Hernandez winning prom king. Ignoring hate from others can be exceedingly difficult, but Hernandez strives to focus on themselves and remain confident in their identity.  

“The boys at school, they always have a problem with something,” they said.

With nearly 55,000 likes and 1,200 comments on this video, Hernandez is gaining attention and support from people across the world. One comment shares how proud they are of the progress the drag community has made over the past 11 years and wishes they had this type of support at their high school. Hernandez responds, overjoyed that their actions are helping break down barriers. 

Hernandez is one of many to openly express themselves during school events. Just last year a high school hosted a drag show during the homecoming game. The advisor of the school’s Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club says how important it is to help support students who express their identities.  

“I think it’s hard for boys to express an effeminate side of themselves, and often that might be the side they love the most. So this is a moment for them to literally put that on for the world to see, and take a few minutes and walk down a runway and be proud,” said Andrew LeValley, GSA advisor. 

Being proud and confident in themselves is what Hernandez does best. They have 2,760 followers on TikTok and counting to share their story and help inspire others, especially youth members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

“You can’t let people tear you down. I want to inspire people to try and break down those barriers that have been put up… Really be yourself, and confidence is key,” they said.