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(Photo found on the internet---unknown photographer)
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The statistics in 2012 indicate that the high school graduation rate for Louisiana was 73.5%. For low income students, it was only 67.7%.. Yet, a top student is being denied the right to attend her prom by the principal of her school. No, she isn't opting to wear a booty revealing outfit, nor is it cut too high. Unlike others, she doesn't want to emulate some reality television "star" and show the world her assets. So, what's the problem, you ask? Claudetteia Love is a lesbian and wants to wear a tux.
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This is why gay kids continue to kill themselves. Despite all the "it gets better" ads, they keep getting shoved into lockers, be they real or symbolic. Patrick Taylor, the Principal, should know better and should call "bull shit" when he sees it. He, of all people, must know that "separate is not equal." The subtle, little things serve as a reminder that one does not quite fit in; that one isn't good enough...that one needs fixing.
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I've lost touch with her, unfortunately, but my friend wore a tux to my high school graduation and she wasn't gay, not that it matters. In fact, she brought her long time boyfriend with her, and he happened to be twenty seven years old. Nobody thought anything of it, unlike what would occur today. Of course, he'd be considered a child molester and deviant in this era. Yet, she was nobody's victim, for she was bright, independent and very mature. Her confidence allowed her to serve in a job that required some risk. In school, she could converse with any adult male on battles of World War Two. She was also hilarious and the two of us dreamed up nominating an SNL character as high school president, even getting the required signature from the Principal. She was tall and thin and liked the clasic look of Yves Saint Laurent. Not being able to afford it, she sewed it herself and it was a dead ringer knock off. Noody batted an eye, except to say how superb she looked, for she styled her make up and hair to match the complete package.
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We can slap all the tatts on our bodies that we want, and call events "extreme." I really don't believe that people have advanced all that much in their thinking--not when I see the idiot frat boys openly advocating rape as they do. Not when I see what's going on post Ferguson and the hostility expressed towards the First Lady's meal program, merely because of her appearance. If she were some botoxed ex-model who spoke in sentences that always sounded like questions, everybody would be squealing in delight. When I use the word "appearance," I'm not talking about her well toned arms or about her smile. You know what I'm talking about; that ugly thing they mention all too often in their badly spelled missives as they rant on Youtube or news stories each time Ms Obama makes a public appearance. Kim Kardashian with a spray on tan is okay, but Ms Obama, being herself---her highly educated self, is not. Hypocrites---then suddenly skin tone becomes an issue. If anything, it's the combination of her intellect and her non-vanillaness that brings out the vitriol. The F.L.O.T.U.S. is not easily controlled like Sarah Palin. Sadly, it seems that people have become more judgmental of others based on things such as looks, weight and age. When the phrase "that's so gay" continues to be a put-down, it's NOT okay to be out. It's no wonder ten year olds hang themselves.
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Back to this school district. Since it accepts public funds, Patrick Taylor needs to lead the charge and show that discrimination is wrong. As long as the tux is tasteful, Ms Love worked hard for her degree and deserves to attend. Mr Taylor must show his students and community that he is one Principal who has principles.
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