Hunter Howell is a normal 16-year-old teenager who likes to hang out with friends, attends school, and wants his own car. He is also proud of his fashion sense.

“I just prefer women’s fashion to men’s,” said Howell, a junior. “I’m not the type to wear Nike flip flops and high socks.”

He can be seen strutting the hallways in his ripped t-shirts, his infamous fishnets, and his trademark tresses. His ever-present makeup is a nod towards his career aspirations. Howell plans on taking cosmetology academy classes next year as his segue into an otherwise female dominated world.   While Howell dreams of cosmetology, what he really wants is equality.

“I come to school to get an education, not to get ostracized,” said Howell.

Howell blogs about equality and plans on becoming a member of the school’s Gay Straight Alliance Club. Although his approach to break the mold of the status quo may seem extreme to some, everyone can take an example of him and dare to be themselves. Despite the unprovoked insults and dirty looks for simply being unique, Howell almost always follows a sticks and stones policy.

“I just brush it off, but sometimes I end up retaliating,” said Howell.

Once, last year, a student was spreading rumors and ridiculing him, so Howell confronted him, landing himself a five-day suspension while, he said, the other student got off. Fortunately for Howell, he can lean on his friends.

“My friends talk me down,” said Howell. “They want what’s best for me, and tell me there’s a brighter day.”

Although they do not share his style in clothing, they look beyond the exterior, and respect his courage.

“He is one of the only people to be himself, he stays a positive and strong person,” said his friend, senior Sally Yu.

Besides providing inspiration for others, Howell finds some of his own. He looks to role models for support, who come from not only the flashy world of celebrities, but also from his family tree.

His dress code reflects his “little monster” status, a salute to Lady Gaga. His admiration goes further than just her music and image. Not only does Howell idolize her, but has even met her through VIP passes.

“I got chills that just wouldn’t leave,” said Howell. “She’s one of the sweetest people.”

It seems that standing out runs in the family. Howell’s uncle Moryee has played a large role in his life. Like Howell, his uncle was ostentatious, but didn’t handle intolerance form classmates the way Howell does.

“He’s told me he wishes that he coped with it as wells as I do,” said Howell.

Between his friends’ faith in him, his uncle’s, and his own, Howell is able to remain true to himself and what he stands for.

“I’m just going to keep being me,” said Howell.