Claudetteia Love: Tuxedo to Prom

EDIT PAGE

Artist:

Year: 2015

Date of Action: April 6, 2015

Region: North America

Location: Monroe, Louisiana

Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion, Religion, Sexual/Gender Orientation, Youth

Medium: Performance Art

Confronting Bodies: Patrick Taylor

Description of Artwork: Honor student, Claudetteia Love, was told that she couldn't wear a Tuxedo to her school's Senior prom by the schools principle, Patrick Taylor.

The Incident: Claudetteia, a lesbian honor student who attends Carroll High School in Monroe, Louisiana, was confronted by her school principle, Patrick Taylor, who informed her that she could not wear a tuxedo to her senior prom. According to Claudetteia's mother, Geraldine Jackson, Principle Taylor explained that "...girls wear dresses and boys wear tuxes, and that’s the way it is.” Thus, Claudetteia and other outraged friends decided to boycott the dance entirely.

Results of Incident: After garnering enough media attention, and getting the National Center for Lesbian Rights involved, Claudetteia was told by Principle Taylor that she could wear a tuxedo to the Senior Prom. Additionally, a local businessman offered to create a prom for Love and her friends. In response to the response, Claudetteia was quoted saying "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."

Source:
• http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015/04/07/group-lesbian-honors-student-may-wear-tux-to-prom