Eighteen-year-old Constance McMillen is
on President Barack Obama's guest list for Tuesday's gay pride
reception at the White House.
McMillen sued the Itawamba County
School District after officials decided to cancel the annual prom
dance for juniors and senior students rather than allow McMillen to
attend with her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo.
A federal judge agreed that the
district had violated McMillen's rights, but refused to force the
school to hold the event.
“I'll never get my senior year back,”
she told USA Today. “But the experiences that I have had because
of this have really made it a lot easier. It has really helped me.”
McMillen's story attracted national
headlines. Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres thanked McMillen for
standing up for everyone's rights and presented her with a $30,000
college scholarship during an appearance on Ellen.
“I admire you so much,” the openly
lesbian DeGeneres said. “When I was your age I never would have
had the strength to do what you are doing.”
Producers of the Gay & Lesbian
Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards arranged for the
teen to present openly gay actress-comedian Wanda Sykes with a gay
rights advocacy award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media
Awards in Los Angeles.
Also expected at the 5PM White House
reception is openly gay Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh.
Vice President Joe Biden will also attend.
Earlier Obama declared
June gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pride month.