Blake Brockington
A teenage trans activist who became a homecoming king and a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ youth before his tragic death.
1996–2015 (age 19)·American transgender activist·Birthday: May 14·Millennials
Biography
Blake Brockington was a teenager from Charlotte, North Carolina, who stepped into a national spotlight in 2014 when he was crowned his high school's homecoming king, believed to be the first openly transgender student to hold that title in the state. The attention transformed him into a vocal advocate, speaking at rallies and to media about the realities of being a young Black trans man. He used his platform to champion LGBTQ+ youth, call for greater understanding, and protest police violence. His life, marked by both public courage and private struggle, ended in suicide in March 2015 at age 18. His death became a galvanizing point in conversations about transgender mental health and the profound challenges faced by trans youth of color.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Blake was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Blake Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Blake's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2015Died at 19
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
Key Achievements
- Became the first openly transgender high school homecoming king in North Carolina in 2014.
- Advocated publicly for transgender youth and against police brutality as a teenage activist.
- His life and death spurred international dialogue on the mental health crises facing transgender teenagers.
Did You Know?
He was a talented drummer in his high school marching band.
He was a dedicated vegan and spoke about animal rights.
After his death, a character in the web series 'Her Story' was loosely inspired by his advocacy.
“I am not a girl, and I am not a boy. I am just a person.”
