From being crowned Tulip Queen in 2022, to seeing their year fully blossom to today, Sam Mills says the journey has been impactful for a very special reason.

“I was able to connect with so many LGBTQ+ youth this year, which was so important to me and to hear their stories and encourage them and support them, because I never had that so to be there for them was really special,” Mills said.

Mills was the first non-binary Tulip Queen with one of their goals being to increase literacy within the community in every way.

“I think the biggest goal I set out to make was to change the perspective of what a Tulip Queen meant just by holding the position,” Mills said.

Mills uses the pronouns they/them and says that during the time, connections made with people who may be struggling to help friends and family understand just what gender identity means was crucial.

“And being able to give them some knowledge and insight on how to speak to their kid give them vernacular and why pronouns are so important,” Mills said.

Mills says that, even within their reign, at times it was hard to overlook the lack of support for gender identity awareness.

“I definitely was confronted with a lot of push back when I was chosen for this position and it was hurtful, I’m not going to lie,” Mills said. “I’ll be honest.”

But the bright spot Sam says was to know that no one stands alone.

“To know that there are so many people behind me pushing back from that hate and I’ve opened minds,” Mills said.

As the crown passes on to the new Tulip Queen this year, Mills hopes that the voices of advocacy, acceptance, and allies will speak loud after the tulips fade away.

“People should be yelling it from the roof tops - being queer is beautiful,” Mills said.