Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A Night to Remember?


Ah- prom... a night of dancing, cavorting with classmates, teen romance and flashy fashion... oh yeah... and did I mention bigotry?

You've probably heard all about Constance McMillen by now, but if you haven't - allow me to tell you her story. Constance lives in Mississippi and she, like every other girl in her class, had been looking forward to senior prom. 18 year old Constance was looking forward to donning a fabulous tux and bringing her girlfriend to the dance... *record scratch*

Back in December of 09, McMillen asked that the school board allow her to bring a same-sex date to her prom. In February, she asked AGAIN after a school memo was sent out, detailing date "restrictions". What did the school board do? They cancelled the prom rather than allowing ONE girl to bring the date of her choice. Constance fought back with the ACLU on her side and made headlines when a judge ruled that she was "allowed" to bring a girl as her date. However, the judge did not order the school to reinstate the prom because it was understood that McMillen would be invited to a prom which was being sponsored by parents of her Itawamba classmates.

Well... as if this story couldn't get anymore disgusting... it is now being reported that Constance McMillen, her date and a few other classmates, including two with learning disabilities, attended what they were told was a parent sponsored prom in Fulton, Mississippi while most of her other classmates from Itawamba Agricultural High School danced the night away at a separate prom that McMillen was not invited to.

McMillen had this to say in response to the fake prom fiasco:

"Two students with learning difficulties were among the seven people at the country club event. They had the time of their lives. That's the one good thing that come out of this, [these kids] didn't have to worry about people making fun of them [at their prom]."

Stay strong Constance.
If any of our readers would like to show their support in condemning the actions of the Itawamba County School Board, check out this petition by The Human Rights Campaign.


-Vignette-Noelle Lammott, Fish out of Water Blog Commentator -


"To find out more information about LGBTQ rights, gay marriage, religion and homosexuality, The Bible's stance on gay relationships or the politics around gay mariage please feel free to contact us or book a screening of FISH OUT OF WATER. Please note that a study guide can be downloaded from the "Book A Screening" page atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"

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