Denair High School's cheerleading squad just got their first transgender member—and she couldn't be more excited!
At the start of the season, Anry publicly identified as male, Cosmopolitan reports. When she made the decision to transition, she got her team together and let them all know at once.
The California teen says that none of the girls had a negative reaction. They even raised money to get her a new uniform.
"They were really nice," Fuentes told People. "They were like, 'We support you for who you are. We love you, and it's not going to change anything. We're not going to see you any differently.'"
Things at home haven't been quite as easy for her, however. People reports that after her mother threatened to throw all of her things away unless she presented as male, she decided to move out and live with another cheerleader, but that currently Fuentes' mother is coming to terms with it and she is planning on moving back home soon.
As a cheerleader, Fuentes isn't one to shy away from the limelight, especially when it helps others like her figure out who they are and what they want.
"I'm kind of glad that it's getting out, so it can help others who are struggling," she told People. "I have been getting a lot of really nice messages from transgender girls and parents who are like, 'Your story is really touching, you're so strong.'"
Trans rights are still a major issue, especially when it comes to high schools.
The Transgender Law Center reports that 24 states have no anti-bullying measures set up for LGBT students, and the Human Rights Council reports one out of every five transgender people feel they have been subject to workplace discrimination.
Despite the struggles Fuentes and other transgender teens like her face, she does her best to keep a positive attitude about everything, and had some advice to offer other teens struggling with their identities.
"I think [I would tell] anyone who is struggling with being uncomfortable in their skin... it's OK," Fuentes told The Daily Beast."You'll always have yourself. You're living to make yourself happy."
No matter who you are, Fuentes' advice holds true. Live to make yourself happy, collegiettes!
