It was an amazing feeling to stand there as a chosen leader, adorned and instated with applause amongst hundreds of people as their Monarch.

The feeling of amazement was not due to some conceit or self-love. It was not a feeling of supremacy or ill-based validation that some yearn for to feed their self-esteem. It was not the child of some illusion that would have me believe that this event was of any substance.

No, my triumph was the inevitable end to a years worth of hardwork. Whether or not I was acknowledged with the title, the ornament and other fleeting trifles, I had already crowned myself that night. April 16th was my night- I had already won. Whether people agreed with me or not was irrelevent. Therefore it wasn't an overwhelming sensation to hear my name called as the "champion" of the queer youth community.

No the amazing feeling came from looking down into the eyes of my friends- my supporters: the people I love and respect those who gave me the position. Hearing and seeing these dear people around me celebrating and cheering was what made it so special for me. To have my friends by my side made the occasion special.

What greater honor is there for the annointed to be bestowed his honor by those he holds dearest to his heart?

Being crowned Monarch gave me no honor. It's a word. Through my deeds and continuing work I will bestow honor to the position, not the reverse. I know it's an accolade that will, to some shallow, delusional people, be the mark of respect or authority. I know this and for that reason, I grasped at the title- not for myself but for my future goals: to be a more powerful figure in the community, I will need that edge the ignorance of these people will give me.

In short the position itself meant little to me- it did nothing for me. But those who gave it to me mean everything to me, and only from their hands does the title of Monarch mean anything today.

And because of them it was a splendid night.