Sam Mills named first non-binary Tulip Queen

Mitch Young

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan announced the 2022 Tulip Queen on Saturday.

Sam Mills, a 24-year-old Saint Rose College alumni, became the first non-binary tulip queen at this years 74th annual Tulip Festival.

Mills was one of five finalists for this years crown.

After today’s ceremony Mills said, "I get to be a role model for young kids who have never seen a non-binary person in a role like this. I can’t wait to help those kids who struggle with identity like I did and I can be the person they look up to."

This years Tulip Festival returned to in-person festivities for the first time since 2019.

Mills and the other four finalists will work on local initiatives as the 2022 Tulip Court.