Claudetteia Love: Tuxedo to Prom
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