A high school student in the US has spoken out about the bullying he faced from fellow students after being announced as a nominee for his school's 'homecoming king'.
Justin Boone, who attends El Campo High School in Texas, told ABC13 that his initial excitement at the news had been dampened by homophobic comments from his classmates.
"It was really exciting. I was a little nervous," Boone said.
His mother, Erica Matula, added: "We were so excited and my whole family, we were just thrilled."
However, following the nomination announcement, Boone was sent a screen-shot of a group text message taking place between other students at the school - reportedly including a homophobic slur and one classmate insisting that "if he wins I'm moving."
The bullying reached such a tipping point that, on the day the homecoming king was announced, Boone stayed at home.
"Just the homophobic comments. I just didn't feel like hearing it," Boone said. "If I did win, I heard some people were going to boo or something, and I just didn't feel like going through that."
His mother said she wanted the school to be more proactive in combating homophobic behaviour at the school.
"I just couldn't believe someone would be that cruel to do that to him because he doesn't deserve it," Matula said, adding that she had brought the abusive text messages to the school's attention.
"We need to acknowledge that the school does have these bullying tendencies, and it's not being acknowledged by anyone and I feel like the school can take a step forward and try something new," Boone told ABC13.
Despite the negative comments, Boone said he'd received a groundswell of support.
"A lot of people came up to me and texted me and really sent me some good support," he shared.
