Lesbian senior will be able to wear tuxedo to the prom after public outcry

theGrio REPORT - A Louisiana principal reversed course on his decision to prevent a lesbian honors student from attending prom in her tuxedo after the public outcry in support of the student's decision.

TheGrio Staff

Apr 8, 2015

A Louisiana principal reversed course on his decision to prevent a lesbian honors student from attending prom in her tuxedo after the public outcry in support of the student’s decision.

Claudetteia Love, 17, made the news last week when she announced that she and her friends would not be attending prom at Carroll High School because of Principal Patrick Taylor’s insistence that she wear a dress.

Immediately, support poured in for Love from classmates and gay rights groups alike, and one local businessman even offered to help Love and her friends stage their own prom.

“The outpouring of support has been incredible and inspiring; it is a source of strength that I will keep with me as I move on the next phase of my education and life beyond high school,” said Love.

Since the public outcry, according to a news release by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Love has been contacted by her principal and by Monroe City School Board President Rodney McFarland (who had supported Love previously) to inform her that she would, in fact, be able to wear the tuxedo.

“I am looking forward to celebrating the end of my senior year with my friends and classmates at the prom, like any other student,” Love said.