By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Meet the First Openly Transgender Man to Graduate From This Women's College
This history major just made history.
Students across the country are celebrating graduation by sharing photos in their caps and gowns. History major Keo O’Neal was among the hundreds, but his story quickly went viral for making his own kind of history.
None— KENJI C (@KENJI C) 1526258715
"The first *openly* trans man to graduate from Spelman College," O’Neal tweeted. "#TransIsBeautiful."
Spelman College is America’s first private, liberal arts historically black college for women. Originally admitted in 2014, O'Neal struggled with his gender identity and fitting in. He transferred out of the school his sophomore year.
During his time at the PWI, O'Neal told HuffPost that he was able to understand who he was "without the pressures of other black folks telling me I couldn’t do or be something." With newfound confidence, he returned to Spelman in 2016.
"I came back to Spelman my junior year because although I could flourish in my queerness, I felt like I was denying my blackness and I was nothing more than a body to those folks."
His return, and subsequent public coming out during a convocation with Alice Walker, sparked conversation, progress - and perhaps some backlash.
According to NewNowNext, Spelman College revised its policy to be more inclusive of transgender students in September 2017. “If a woman is admitted and transitions to male while a student at Spelman, the College will permit that student to continue to matriculate at and graduate from Spelman,” said college president Mary S. Campbell in a letter to the community.
Just eight months later, earlier this May, handwritten homophobic and transphobic notes were found under three students dorm room doors. "Keep Spelman safe. No queers," one read. "Keep your tran[s] out of our bathrooms Thanks!" said another. One even read, "#DIE … We don’t want you here."
“I love that Spelman is progressing and opening its doors to trans women, but to me, it’s a bit reactionary,” O’Neal told Blavity, unsure if the move was right for the college. "Spelman doesn’t know how to handle the issues we are currently having with queer students; I’m not sure what will, if anything, change when trans women start attending."
Nevertheless, O'Neal is proud to have made Spelman history and hopes his story inspires others.
"Never give up, no matter what people tell you," he underscored. "I could not have made it this far without the encouragement of others. It truly takes a village. For everyone who played a part in my successes, this is a win for all of us.”
"It is so easy to get down and out but it takes a lot of courage to keep fighting and that courage has always been inside of you."
What's next O'Neal? The job search.
None— tw: medium rare vibrations (@tw: medium rare vibrations) 1526334685
Congratulations Keo!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
