A local high schooler is using her platform to encourage and inspire others about acceptance. When Cassie Steiner, who likes to be called Cass, first received news she made the top four on the ballot for homecoming princess, she was excited but didn’t think she would win. When she found out she did in fact win the title, it came with mix emotions but decided to use this as a teaching moment to her fellow peers. “She transitioned this year. So at 15 transitioning. Last time this year she was the goalie for the male the boy’s soccer team,” said Kat Steiner, Cassie’s mom. Cass is a sophmore at Mariemont High school. “Deciding to transition was honestly a huge step because I realized who I am and I don’t deserve to hide it. I deserve to show people my worth,” explained Cass on her transition journey. Walking in her truth, Cass had support from faculty and fiends. Until a winning vote for homecoming princess turned out to be a different story. Steiner said the school guidance counselor called her and her mother, Kat, and told them the votes were part of a prank. ‘We understood that there may have been some mean-spirited voting going on behind the scenes. And as a parent it just broke my heart,” said Kat. The counselor asked Cassie and her mom if she wanted to decline the title, but Cassie gracefully said no. “If I step down then there’s nothing I’m getting out of it. There’s nothing showing that I’m proud,” Steiner said. “If anything, hearing the negativity empowered me because it made me realize that they are going out of their way to notice me. They’re noticing how bold I am.”Steiner said she decided to use the moment as a lesson to those who may have voted with ill intentions, “If you did vote for me with negative intentions thank you because I still won the vote and I’m willing to advocate for my community as a whole,” she said.Since then, members of the community heard about the prank and rallied around Steiner to show her she support. Community member Erin Satterwhite gathered students and parents Friday to make signs for Cass, celebrating her trans journey. “Cassie’s story it just spoke to me as a mom. And this is an inclusive, kind, supportive community and I wanted that message to be shared and not the original message that was shared,” Satterwhite said. Steiner said the experience has boosted her confidence, while parents said supporting children is an absolute must. But there was still one missing piece. Cass needed an escort on the field, since her other homecoming court winners declined. But she got the best one, the principal.”Having those people escort me and be there for me is really empowering and showing that the school is there for me. And they are 100 percent supportive,” said Steiner.
A local high schooler is using her platform to encourage and inspire others about acceptance.
When Cassie Steiner, who likes to be called Cass, first received news she made the top four on the ballot for homecoming princess, she was excited but didn’t think she would win.
When she found out she did in fact win the title, it came with mix emotions but decided to use this as a teaching moment to her fellow peers.
“She transitioned this year. So at 15 transitioning. Last time this year she was the goalie for the male the boy’s soccer team,” said Kat Steiner, Cassie’s mom. Cass is a sophmore at Mariemont High school.
“Deciding to transition was honestly a huge step because I realized who I am and I don’t deserve to hide it. I deserve to show people my worth,” explained Cass on her transition journey. Walking in her truth, Cass had support from faculty and fiends. Until a winning vote for homecoming princess turned out to be a different story.
Steiner said the school guidance counselor called her and her mother, Kat, and told them the votes were part of a prank. ‘We understood that there may have been some mean-spirited voting going on behind the scenes. And as a parent it just broke my heart,” said Kat.
The counselor asked Cassie and her mom if she wanted to decline the title, but Cassie gracefully said no.
“If I step down then there’s nothing I’m getting out of it. There’s nothing showing that I’m proud,” Steiner said. “If anything, hearing the negativity empowered me because it made me realize that they are going out of their way to notice me. They’re noticing how bold I am.”
Steiner said she decided to use the moment as a lesson to those who may have voted with ill intentions, “If you did vote for me with negative intentions thank you because I still won the vote and I’m willing to advocate for my community as a whole,” she said.
Since then, members of the community heard about the prank and rallied around Steiner to show her she support.
Community member Erin Satterwhite gathered students and parents Friday to make signs for Cass, celebrating her trans journey.
“Cassie’s story it just spoke to me as a mom. And this is an inclusive, kind, supportive community and I wanted that message to be shared and not the original message that was shared,” Satterwhite said.
Steiner said the experience has boosted her confidence, while parents said supporting children is an absolute must.
But there was still one missing piece. Cass needed an escort on the field, since her other homecoming court winners declined. But she got the best one, the principal.
“Having those people escort me and be there for me is really empowering and showing that the school is there for me. And they are 100 percent supportive,” said Steiner.