Slog
News & ArtsFriday, March 12, 2010
Homo Constance McMillen Update
Posted by Dan Savage on Fri, Mar 12, 2010 at 2:05 PM
#Constance is trending on Twitter today.... whatever that means. Ellen Degenes just twittered Constance's story... and she has 4.3 million followers.
A New Orleans hotel owner—Sean Cummings—has offered to bus students from Fulton to New Orleans for a free-of-charge prom at his hotel.
The Stonewall Democrats are gathering signatures for a petition backing Colorado Congressman Jared Polis's Student Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 4530), which would ban discrimination against LGBT students.
The Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition is raising money to host an "Second Chance Prom" that would welcome all students.
And this will be of interest to bear lovers everywhere: Constance McMillen's father is hot...
...and he's on his daughter's side. So is Constance's grandmother. Even in small towns, even in places as small as Fulton, Mississippi, gay and lesbian teenagers increasingly have the love and support of their families. Back when our families were likelier to be unsupportive or actively hostile, back when most gay teenagers had to hide their sexual orientations from their parents, bigoted teachers and school officials could discriminate or retaliate against gay teenagers with impunity. Those days are over. Welcome to the future, Itawamba County Schools.
And, finally, this is about more than Constance, this is about more than just the bigots on the Itawamba County school board. This is about vulnerable LGBT high school and middle school students all over the country. While more and more LGBT students enjoy the support of their families and friends, LGBT students still face harassment from their peers and hostility from school administrators. And the harassment doesn't just impact the lives of openly gay students. Closeted gay students, who may be more isolated, witness discrimination against openly gay students and are made to feel fearful. By coming down on the Itawamba County School system—and by coming down on them hard—we're not just sending a message to the bigots running a high school in a corner of Mississippi. We're sending a message to school boards and superintendents and principals all over the country: you will pay a price if you discriminate against or encourage other students to retaliate against LGBT youth.
Those numbers and email addresses again:
Superintendent Teresa McNeece
tmcneece@itawamba.k12.ms.us
phone (662) 862-2159 Ext. 14
fax (662) 862-4713
Write on the wall at Teresa McNeece's Facebook page.Principal Trae Wiygul
twiygul@itawamba.k12.ms.us
(662) 862-3104School Board Member Eddie Hood
a082315@allstate.com
YOU CAN ALSO SEND HIM A MESSAGE VIA HIS FACEBOOK PAGE.School Board Member Jackie Nichols
jnichols@itawamba.k12.ms.usSchool Board Member Harold Martin
hmartin@itawamba.k12.ms.usSchool Board Member Clara Brown
cbrown@network-one.comSchool Board Member Tony Wallace
twallace@nexband.com
YOU CAN ALSO SEND HIM A MESSAGE VIA HIS FACEBOOK PAGE.
Let them hear from you. Then join the Facebook group "Let Constance Take Her Girlfriend to Prom" here. Then make a tax-deductible donation to support Constance's ACLU LGBT Project team here.
2
This outpouring of support is quite something to see, and I'm pulling for the prom to get reinstated.
I have a question, though... where's Constance's girlfriend in all of this? I think I read somewhere that she's another student at the school. Is she somehow not out? Was planning to come out at prom?? It seems a bit odd that she would let Constance take all the heat on her own...
I have a question, though... where's Constance's girlfriend in all of this? I think I read somewhere that she's another student at the school. Is she somehow not out? Was planning to come out at prom?? It seems a bit odd that she would let Constance take all the heat on her own...
4
This is totally awesome. I haven't actually felt this giddy about the news since Obama was elected.
I ain't joking.
I ain't joking.
5
The outpouring of support is amazing to watch, and I'm really hoping the school district comes to their senses.
But, I have a question: Where's Constance's girlfriend in all of this? Why is she letting Constance take all the heat on her own? (Maybe her family isn't as supportive?)
But, I have a question: Where's Constance's girlfriend in all of this? Why is she letting Constance take all the heat on her own? (Maybe her family isn't as supportive?)
7
New Orleans prom sounds WAY more fun. I'd like her to win this on principle, but short of that, I'd love to see the couple and as many young supporters as possible attend her "fuck all y'all" prom elsewhere.
Suer beats cleaning the old barn just outside the Beaumont town line.
Suer beats cleaning the old barn just outside the Beaumont town line.
10
2,5
pull up a chair...
see, it turns out this whole 'Lesbian date going to the Prom' fiasco was news to Constance's 15 year old Sophmore girlfriend's parents, who have now forbidden their daughter to attend, whether or not a prom is held.
(meanwhile- Mississippi authorities, and Constance's 15 year old Sophmore girlfriend's parents, are wondering if 18 year old Constance has done the nasty with her/their sweet young thing. That could get Constance a 5 year sentence in Mississippi- 20 years if they got friendly when babydoll was 14 - and a slot on the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry.
For Constance's sake let's hope the gf's parents have a sense of humor and appreciate being in the righteously indignant Queer Nation's white hot Spotlight....)
pull up a chair...
see, it turns out this whole 'Lesbian date going to the Prom' fiasco was news to Constance's 15 year old Sophmore girlfriend's parents, who have now forbidden their daughter to attend, whether or not a prom is held.
(meanwhile- Mississippi authorities, and Constance's 15 year old Sophmore girlfriend's parents, are wondering if 18 year old Constance has done the nasty with her/their sweet young thing. That could get Constance a 5 year sentence in Mississippi- 20 years if they got friendly when babydoll was 14 - and a slot on the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry.
For Constance's sake let's hope the gf's parents have a sense of humor and appreciate being in the righteously indignant Queer Nation's white hot Spotlight....)
12
Constance should count herself lucky this wasn't a church dance-
a predator like her could easily end up on the "Youth Pastor Watch".
a predator like her could easily end up on the "Youth Pastor Watch".
14
Does anyone else think its pitiful that Mr. Hood and Mr. Wallace have so few fb friends? Sad people.
15
Hate only survives when it can hide under the cloak of respectability and the assumption that it represents the wishes of the majority.
When it has neither, it melts in the light of day.
When it has neither, it melts in the light of day.
16
@ 10, links please. (Remember - the rule is, you bring it up, you prove it. We don't have to google anything - you have to prove it.)
18
@10 - Thanks for the update. I was afraid it might be something like that. As for gf's parents having a sense of humor, that doesn't seem likely given their reaction so far. Let's hope that changes, for both Constance and gf's sake.
20
I don't recall seeing it on Slog. And I haven't read anything about the GF in any of the news reports.
Regardless, it was wrong for the school cancel prom and paint a bullseye on this girl's back. She's right to stand up for herself, and we should all stand up for her.
And seniors can date sophomores.
Regardless, it was wrong for the school cancel prom and paint a bullseye on this girl's back. She's right to stand up for herself, and we should all stand up for her.
And seniors can date sophomores.
22
Don't listen to the Anonypedo, they seem to be writing it out for their own jollies. Slog is apparently a fanfiction site today.
23
@17, an ANONYMOUS commenter in a previous post about this IS NOT a credible news source. Take your own advice and try to keep up.
24
Statutory Rape & Child Molestation in Mississippi
97-3-65 Statutory Rape
Any person 17+ has sexual intercourse with a person at least 14 but under 16 and where defendant is 36+ months older than victim; or, a person has sexual intercourse with a person under 14 and defendant is 24+ months older than victim. (Felony punishable up to 5 years if defendant is 18 or older but less than 21; up to 30 years if defendant is 21+; if defendant is 21+ and victim is under 14 minimum of 20 years; if defendant is under 18 no minimum)
97-5-23 Touching Child
Any person 18+ lewdly touches a person under 16 years of age; or, person 18+ lewdly touches under 18 and younger than defendant and where defendant occupies a position of trust or authority with respect to victim. (Felony punishable 2 to 15 years)
97-3-65 Statutory Rape
Any person 17+ has sexual intercourse with a person at least 14 but under 16 and where defendant is 36+ months older than victim; or, a person has sexual intercourse with a person under 14 and defendant is 24+ months older than victim. (Felony punishable up to 5 years if defendant is 18 or older but less than 21; up to 30 years if defendant is 21+; if defendant is 21+ and victim is under 14 minimum of 20 years; if defendant is under 18 no minimum)
97-5-23 Touching Child
Any person 18+ lewdly touches a person under 16 years of age; or, person 18+ lewdly touches under 18 and younger than defendant and where defendant occupies a position of trust or authority with respect to victim. (Felony punishable 2 to 15 years)
25
Being a happy fag, Dan, you're forgiven for missing a big part of this story: Constance is smokin' hot, herself. I am 100% w/ you on this-isn't-just-about-one-teen-lesbian thing. I know GLBT teens all over the world can find inspiration and courage from this story.
I think the prejudice issue is important, and I'm glad it's come to light. Will in Seattle (#15) speaks a Truth. It's just.... and I don't know for certain, but I would guess that the BBC wouldn't have picked up the story if Constance was rather plain-looking, instead of having more-than-just-cute-as-a-button looks, but the hotly voluptuous gorgeous looks that sends lesbians & nerd-boys hearts' a-flutter.
Listen, I'm glad the story is out, has legs, and the vast majority of Americans w/ opinions on it are standing up for freedom over bigotry. There's no question in my mind that Constance & her family aren't heroes. I'm just finally putting something on the table that I haven't read yet-- she's a total babe.
I think the prejudice issue is important, and I'm glad it's come to light. Will in Seattle (#15) speaks a Truth. It's just.... and I don't know for certain, but I would guess that the BBC wouldn't have picked up the story if Constance was rather plain-looking, instead of having more-than-just-cute-as-a-button looks, but the hotly voluptuous gorgeous looks that sends lesbians & nerd-boys hearts' a-flutter.
Listen, I'm glad the story is out, has legs, and the vast majority of Americans w/ opinions on it are standing up for freedom over bigotry. There's no question in my mind that Constance & her family aren't heroes. I'm just finally putting something on the table that I haven't read yet-- she's a total babe.
26
I'm not sure if this has been posted but the American Humanists Assoc. in Philly is offering to set up a dance as well.
Press release is here
http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/det…
This level of national support is crazy
Press release is here
http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/det…
This level of national support is crazy
27
23
ANONYMOUS commenters in posts are more credible news sources than Dan's butchered versions.
Or haven't you noticed.
ANONYMOUS commenters in posts are more credible news sources than Dan's butchered versions.
Or haven't you noticed.
28
@24 - couple problems with that.
First, what is Mississippi's definition of intercourse? In many jurisdiction's laws, that requires a penis.
And how the hell do you know they are having sex at all? Lots of teenagers don't. Making out is as far as many go.
And an anonymous comment is not a credible source. I can anonymously say just about anything but it doesn't make it true.
First, what is Mississippi's definition of intercourse? In many jurisdiction's laws, that requires a penis.
And how the hell do you know they are having sex at all? Lots of teenagers don't. Making out is as far as many go.
And an anonymous comment is not a credible source. I can anonymously say just about anything but it doesn't make it true.
29
Awesome! The student who speaks up for for her heart and what's right is now on track to get her school the coolest prom ever!
30
10/17:
A: Mississippi currently has no valid statute that addresses the age of consent for homosexual behavior.
B: the age of consent in Mississippi is 16. This is the age at which a person in Mississippi may legally consent to sex with an adult, in most cases. McMillen is not an adult.
C: The crime of sexual batter yapplies when there is penetration of a young person between 14 and 16 years of age by an offender who is at least 36 months older.
D: where did you hear that her girlfriend is 15? All the news stories are reporting that she's a sophomore, which means usually between 15 and 17.
http://blog.laborlawtalk.com/2006/11/09/…
A: Mississippi currently has no valid statute that addresses the age of consent for homosexual behavior.
B: the age of consent in Mississippi is 16. This is the age at which a person in Mississippi may legally consent to sex with an adult, in most cases. McMillen is not an adult.
C: The crime of sexual batter yapplies when there is penetration of a young person between 14 and 16 years of age by an offender who is at least 36 months older.
D: where did you hear that her girlfriend is 15? All the news stories are reporting that she's a sophomore, which means usually between 15 and 17.
http://blog.laborlawtalk.com/2006/11/09/…
31
@27 Don't try to hide the fact that you STILL can't back up your claims. Find a credible news source to share, or shut the fuck up.
32
More than that, when is Constance's birthday? As a senior, she can't be that far into 18... hmm...
33
This just in from an anonymous source:
It could be true that "Respectful and On Topic Discourse" blows goats with Marlee Ginter. Stay tuned for more updates on this story that may or may not be true!
It could be true that "Respectful and On Topic Discourse" blows goats with Marlee Ginter. Stay tuned for more updates on this story that may or may not be true!
35
Suicide is the third most common death in teenagers. All children must know they are valued and loved. This will save young lives. It is awesome to see people rallying to her side. It says to her and others we value you and we love you and don't listen to the haters.
36
@24: OK, I'll bite. She should be prosecuted. As long as every other couple going to prom this year and every other year is subjected to the same rules. Is that OK with you?
37
and lost in this story is the fact from the Rapid City Daily Journal of South Dakota that an Air Force member was forced out because two Rapid City police officers informed on her to the Ellsworth A.F.B people about being "married" to a woman in the state of Iowa...the ACLU is suing on this case as well...we're under attack pure and simple....everywhere.
Not a new tactic...just the same old crap with greater vigor...
Not a new tactic...just the same old crap with greater vigor...
39
"Respectful and On Topic" is closet case and out of work cop or social worker with nothing to do but worry about such trivia. Junior and senior high school students are fucking all the time and he can do nothing to stop it. He probably was fucking in his young teens.
40
Constance's video on facebook made me cry. She's so well adjusted and with a great sense of self. The out pouring support is amazing. For someone who was called faggot everyday of high school for four years, the support for Canstance makes me happy in way I don't think most people can understand.
The world is getting better. Far from perfect, but better.
The world is getting better. Far from perfect, but better.
41
@24, learn to read. There must be a 36 month age difference, which is not the case with sophomores and seniors. There would also need to be intercourse as recognized by the state. The second charge you listed is also bullshit, one student is not in a 'role of authority" over another.
42
This just in from a verified news source - Seattleites want to take your guns and stop you from terrifying kids in their public parks. Also, they don't like having pit bulls run around unleashed around kids too.
44
Apparently the anonymous troll finally registered, so that everyone can see his/her insipidly moronic posts.
45
@39, it's just the same obsessed slog troll with a new registered identity in addition to the "." one. He has some peculiar posting idiosyncrasies (and idiocies) that stand out. Personally, I think he's in the clergy, or a socially isolated financially well-off businessman or attorney. Most likely impotent, and certainly without an intimate human relationship--at the most a distant or abusive one.
48
Even in small towns, even in places as small as Fulton, Mississippi, gay and lesbian teenagers increasingly have the love and support of their families. Back when our families were likelier to be unsupportive or actively hostile, back when most gay teenagers had to hide their sexual orientations from their parents, bigoted teachers and school officials could discriminate or retaliate against gay teenagers with impunity. Those days are over. Welcome to the future, Itawamba County Schools.
Exactly. As much as religious and other conservatives flail against gays and lesbians, they're on the wrong side of history. Gays and lesbians don't have full acceptance and equality (e.g. same-sex marriage) in American society yet but a tremendous amount of progress has been made.
Exactly. As much as religious and other conservatives flail against gays and lesbians, they're on the wrong side of history. Gays and lesbians don't have full acceptance and equality (e.g. same-sex marriage) in American society yet but a tremendous amount of progress has been made.
50
This whole "statutory rape" thing is bullshit. I can't believe anyone is even debating it. It's just dumb. And wayyy off topic.
The topic is whether or not it's okay to cancel a prom because you're bigoted. I think the answer is no.
Good news, though, would be if this small corner of Mississippi was the only place where this bigotry was left to reside. Unfortunately, it is not. Nonetheless, this is progress, slow maybe, but sure.
The topic is whether or not it's okay to cancel a prom because you're bigoted. I think the answer is no.
Good news, though, would be if this small corner of Mississippi was the only place where this bigotry was left to reside. Unfortunately, it is not. Nonetheless, this is progress, slow maybe, but sure.
51
Hopefully this negative and unwanted publicity will make other bigoted school administrators stop and think before making the same mistake.
If this stops just one incident like this, we will have won. As @50 says, slow but sure.
If this stops just one incident like this, we will have won. As @50 says, slow but sure.
53
A while back some slog poster or a commenter wrote somthing about the family lovin modern bubba in the South. Anyone remember that? Here it is again. I'd be interested in reading that piece again.
54
@53 If my memory serves me right, you're thinking of the Slog entry regarding Will Phillips refusing to pledge allegiance to a country that discriminates against gays. His dad supported him and I vaguely remember the Slog comment to which you're referring.
56
let me say a bit about constance. she has always been a kind compassionate child. always supported school events,hosted exchange students,used her own money to sponser a child in ethiopias education,worked in the local food pantry which feeds about 1000 residents per month.given her hair for wigs to the children of saint jude cancer center.i can go on an on,and i know,ive worked with her. i am her aunt margaret christman i leave u all with this."what have u done"?
57
If she were a priest the most that would happen is to be sent to another parish and teaching gig at an all girls school, St Mary's in Pariah parish maybe....
all kidding aside, the school district doesn't expect anyone to fight back so this whole thing had taken them by surprise, they have problably done this for along time and noone has ever taken it this far with them before. They don't know what to do.
all kidding aside, the school district doesn't expect anyone to fight back so this whole thing had taken them by surprise, they have problably done this for along time and noone has ever taken it this far with them before. They don't know what to do.
58
MediaCurves.com conducted a media study among viewers of a news clip about a school’s cancellation of prom due to a lesbian student wanting to take her girlfriend to the dance. Results found that the majority of viewers (77%) believed that the school’s actions were an act of discrimination. Furthermore, the vast majority of viewers (88%) indicated that the actions by the school were not appropriate. More in depth results can be seen at: http://www.mediacurves.com/NationalMedia…
Thanks,
Ben
Thanks,
Ben
59
I went to school to learn, because that's how old I am. Obviously now, the only reason schools exist is to help this month's Marilyn Manson come out of hiding to shock and offend the community. It's a school, not a zoo.
60
LOL! This article had me ROFL! Both sides are trying so hard to impose their belief systems onto each other! Its very easy to imagine why this is such a mess. Like many other obnoxious people who are both gay, lesbian, and heterosexual; she is obnoxious, fat, and vying for the spotlight from the media. If she really loved her lover, true love would of had her riding of into the sunset, away from the life that she really hates. People cannot be forced to feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations. obviously she needs to avoid the silly childhood games that she will probably secretly enjoy for the next twenty years. I really wish that this story was more honest with the pictures and the facts. She is not attractive on any level to 90%+ of the public. She is however a sob story, that encourages the victim mentality.
61
LOL! This article had me ROFL! Both sides are trying so hard to impose their belief systems onto each other! Its very easy to imagine why this is such a mess. Like many other obnoxious people who are both gay, lesbian, and heterosexual; she is obnoxious, fat, and vying for the spotlight from the media. If she really loved her lover, true love would of had her riding of into the sunset, away from the life that she really hates. People cannot be forced to feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations. obviously she needs to avoid the silly childhood games that she will probably secretly enjoy for the next twenty years. I really wish that this story was more honest with the pictures and the facts. She is not attractive on any level to 90%+ of the public. She is however a sob story, that encourages the victim mentality.
In an effort to keep
the
discourse respectful and on topic, commenting on this item is
available only to registered commenters.
Advertisement
Most Commented on Slog
-
GOP Congressman: We Have to Ban Abortion Because Fetuses Are Masturbating In There by Dan Savage
-
SL Letter of the Day: The Tell-Tale Handjob by Dan Savage
-
Foie Gras Tastes Like Cat Food by Callan Berry
-
Cap Hill Is Becoming a Little Like What? by Charles Mudede
-
SL Letter of the Day: Let Me Think... by Dan Savage
-
Pizza Update: Breaking the 5-Minute Barrier by Goldy
-
President Obama Says NSA Spying Is "Transparent" by Paul Constant
-
The Wednesday Morning News by Goldy
-
Less Than a Quarter of Americans Have Confidence in Newspapers by Eli Sanders
-
Jobs-Killing Socialism Drives Seattle's Unemployment Rate Down to 4.7 Percent by Goldy
Stranger Personals
The Stranger
RSSSeattle Art & Performance Quarterly
A complete guide to Seattle's current art, film, dance, and theater season.
Facebook
Twitter
Comments (61) RSS