Cheerleading Squad accepts 1st transgender teen

PEKIN, Ill. (AP) -- It was just another Wednesday with the girls for Carlo Rolan. She was hanging out, having a good time after hearing some great news: she made the cheerleading squad.

That's big for the soon-to-be junior because it makes her the first transgender cheerleader at Pekin Community High School.

"It's very hard to explain to people what transgender is," said Rolan. "For my friends to support me and stuff like that it gives me joy; it makes me happy."

It took the encouragement of friends to convince Carlo to try out.

When she made the cut, she and her friends were ecstatic.

"I was really happy for her," said her friend Breanna.

"Oh my god, I was so excited for her," said Natelie Davis. " Like, that was literally like talk of the school.

What really made her glow? Hearing support from a school dean.

"He shook my hand and was really glad for me to be on the team," said Rolan. "His exact words were 'Carlo, I'm so glad for you to be on the team,' and he just congratulated me."

Carlo says she was given the choice to wear the uniform she's comfortable wearing: male or female. Although she really wanted to wear the skirts, she's decided to wear the male uniform. She says it's out of respect of her mother, who's still learning about the teen's transition.

"I'm still trying to convince her and stuff, and eventually it does take time and she will eventually understand it and what it is," said Rolan. She's very supportive. To be honest, I wouldn't be on the team without her support, so thank you mom."

As for the people that have a problem with Carlo on the team:

"Haters can talk," said Rolan. " [I just] flip the hair."