Mississippi prom canceled rather than allowing gay couple to attend

When young people gather, one of the hardest things to do is to be yourself. A young girl in Mississippi, Constance McMillen, was trying to do that: she wanted to take her girlfriend to the prom. In response, the school board has decided to cancel the entire event. Yes, they CANCELED THE PROM!

My first reaction is, Wow, I bet that makes ALL the kids angry! I would sure hate it if the event I'd anticipated and planned for went up in smoke. Next I realized how mad everyone would be at Constance! Oh, My, Gosh! What a mess!

The statement from the board says they had to cancel the prom "due to the distractions to the educational process caused by recent events." I'm sure that if this couple goes to the same school, most of the students are already aware that they are together, and the board should probably cancel classes! I mean, you can't learn when there are gay people in your midst.

Aside from the fact that Constance and HER date are being denied one of the biggest nights of high school social life, this school board is acting in fear of something they don't understand. Although it's not stated, and yes, I'm assuming a lot about Mississipians, I'm sure they have their religious ducks in a row. And if they wanted to make sure no one "sins," then they wouldn't even let those hot youngsters LOOK at each other, much less DATE! After all, modern dating is NOT in the Bible!

Most of the time, reactions like this school board are from fear. They don't understand, nor do they want to. It's probable that local constituents are pressuring board members, and maybe they don't want to lose the next election if they allow gay couples. Yes, that could happen.

Maybe some think that the lesbian couple will expose other students to being gay, and are afraid other kids will "turn gay." Note to the board: It doesn't work like that.

This is not the first time that a big deal erupted when a student wanted to bring their same-sex date to a prom. As long as administrators won't open their eyes to human sexuality and it's many variations, and until there is acceptance for same-sex couples, there will continue to be confrontations, cancellations, and upset students who want to have their proms (and all kinds of other social events where equality is denied).

I wish I could be there to encourage Constance. I'd give her a great big hug, and encourage her. She's taking a lot of heat just for being herself.

Kudos to you, Constance!