Irvine High’s (IHS) Associated Student Body (ASB) is retiring the traditional homecoming king and queen title to Homecoming Royalty for more gender inclusivity on campus.

Students voted for two candidates from a list of self-nominated seniors. The homecoming court consists of the top eight and seniors will vote for two Royal Vaqueros starting Friday, Oct. 7.

“Although there will be disparities between tradition and inclusion, we should strive to keep an open mind to include everyone in our campus activities,” ASB publicity committee member and senior David Nguyen said. “This change is important because it allows those who don’t identify with feminine and masculine pronouns to be included.”

“This change is important because it allows those who don’t identify with feminine and masculine pronouns to be included.” — David Nguyen

The main focus for IHS was to alter the name for inclusivity while staying close to the name’s roots.
“[The renaming] has been something that has been brought up for a couple of years now. Just in sense of wanting to make it more inclusive,” ASB advisor Morgan Rosser said. “Being on the homecoming court is about recognizing students who are truly proud to be a part of their school community.”

This change is influenced by the trends seen throughout the Irvine Unified School District and all around the country. The renaming was officially made by ASB after discussing with other Irvine school’s and assistant principal Chris Nguyen.

“When you take a look at our values, this is an extension of honoring others regardless of their beliefs,” principal Monica Colunga said. “So it’s being respectful of that and if anytime we can continue to be respectful of others, it is a positive thing.”

The IHS Homecoming Court will be announced on Oct. 6 and homecoming royalty will be crowned at the Oct. 14 homecoming football game.