Prom Court 2022: Nate Ramirez refuses to be defined

Nate Ramirez, who decided to run just like any other King Nominee, may have the biggest impact on how Colton thinks about Prom.

Nate has joined many clubs and groups throughout high school: Pride Club, Link Crew, marching band. They’re even a basketball team manager and the Wellness Club president.

Although they are very excited to even become nominated in the first place, they know that their win would be much bigger than they are.

Nate understands that by being the first nonbinary candidate in Colton High prom history, there’s an extra pressure on them compared to the other candidates. Not only do they have to try and gain support as a candidate, but also gain support for how they identify themselves.

Part of the reason Nate decided to run for Prom King was because they knew that they could make a difference. “I wanted to let others know that if I can do it, so can they.” And that running as King was more comfortable to them than running as Queen, but they still wish there was a way for them to run without the title King or Queen.

And making a difference did not come without obstacles, with several students rejecting Nate’s identity by tearing down their posters and spewing hate for their decision to run as King. “Although it may seem like I’m really outgoing,” Nate shared, “I’m really shy, and it can be difficult for me to get out there and be a part of something.”

But even with the hate, Nate is extremely grateful to have this opportunity and is making the best of the experience.

They have hope that they can start the change here at Colton High School to have a more inclusive environment and include different identities and even sexualities into the discussions about runnings.

And because of that they are glad to be part of this year’s discussion of inclusivity. “I am glad to be the first. Other schools have already made changes, so why can’t we?”

Overall, what Nate has learned from this experience is that “People are going to be mean and life is going to be full of people who want to tear me down, I just have to keep my head up and focus on my goals.”

After receiving both hate and support, Nate says, “No matter if I get that crown or not, I’m a winner in my own way and I’m proud to have made it onto the court.”

And as for their experience as non-binary, all they really want is for others—and themselves—to be reminded that they are “just Nate.”