Steven Sanchez, 21, was born male, transitioned into a female's body and now identifies as a man and woman, but his University of Northern Iowa (UNI) classmates did not care when they voted him homecoming queen.

Reuters reported Sanchez identifies himself as "gender nonconforming" and is both male and female. He said he had transitioned to become more of a woman, but did not think he could ever fully become one.

He is also the first transgender person at his school to win homecoming king or queen. The moment humbled him and he broke down in tears upon learning his classmates had voted for him to win.

"I could not believe it when it happened, and I still can't believe it," Sanchez said. "I've come so far as a person."

He also said he hoped his story could help bring transgender issues into national attention.

Sanchez grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where he was bullied so harshly for being an effeminate male, he had to leave high school and finish his diploma at a local community college. Afterward, he enrolled at UNI. He said his mother, aunt and grandmother have been his biggest source of support.

"They're the ones who really helped me get through all the hard times," he said. "I'm so inspired by strong women. I'm surrounded by strong women who all support me and that's beautiful to me."

Sanchez learned he had won the honor at a pep rally Friday preceding the Saturday homecoming football game. David Pope, a friend and president of the school's LGBT advocacy group UNI Proud, told the De Moines Register Sanchez is deserving of the honor for his personality.

"He can dance amazingly well in high heels, which always stuns the women in the crowd," Pope said. "You can tell he loves dancing. People really respond to how excited he seems."

Pope said Sanchez's bullying has taught him that not everyone will be accepting of who he is, but added UNI has provided a welcoming environment.

"Even though Steven has dealt with a lot of bullying and cruelty in his past, he's just unabashedly himself," Pope said. "I think a lot of people on campus are inspired by that, and feel they can be more like themselves around him."