KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2025 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Same-Sex Phoenix Couple Denied Chance For Homecoming Crowns

Willow Canyon High School in Surprise plays its homecoming game Friday. But the festivities, including Saturday night’s homecoming dance, have garnered attention for a reason unrelated to football.

A lesbian couple had hoped to become homecoming queen and queen - the Dysart Unified School District said no.

Stacey Jay Cavaliere is the Director of Programs for the Phoenix-based LGBT group One n Ten and a former high school teacher. He said this has been an issue around the country for several years.

In a statement, the Dysart Unified School District says, in part, “The Willow Canyon High School students do not elect a couple as Homecoming Queen and King, rather individual students self -nominate or are nominated to run for Homecoming Queen or for Homecoming King. One person is voted in by fellow students to represent female students at Homecoming and one male student is voted in by the students to represent the boys.”

Tags
Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.