On February 14, 2009, George Mason University student Ryan Allen, competing under his drag queen persona of Reann Ballslee, was crowned Ms. Mason at the Homecoming basketball game in front of a near sold-out crowd. Allen competed against two women for the homecoming queen title. The story went out on the Associated Press wire and was picked up around the country, with the Washington Post and USA Today also covering the event.
The following year, Allen helped inaugurate a new university tradition by changing the competition titles Mr. and Ms. Mason to the gender-neutral Mason Majesty.
On the 10-year anniversary of the day, Ballslee posted a photo from that day on her Instagram account, writing: 10 years ago I found out how much LOVE surrounded me at @georgemasonu when I was crowned Ms Mason 2009. 👑 Today, give as much love and support as you can to those around you. And remember, I love you! ❤️
Photo credit: Teddy Meyer/Broadside