CULTURE: Classmates Cheer Lesbian Prom Royalty!

Hundreds of classmates cheered as a lesbian couple paraded in matching tuxes to take their place among prom royalty at their Minneapolis suburban high school. "It felt amazing," said senior Desiree Shelton. She and date Sarah Lindstrom had battled to walk to the prom court as a couple after the school attempted to dodge the gay rights issue by ruling that all elected students would have to walk alone or be accompanied by a parent or teacher. Officials finally caved after they were sued by two human rights organizations. They agreed that members of the royalty court would be escorted by anyone meaningful to them, regardless of gender or age.

"This is a new chapter for the district," said a spokesman for the Southern Poverty Law Center. One teen described the school as "pretty respectful." The "rule is just let people be who they are." A gay student at the school killed himself last year, and was one of 6 in the district who committed suicide since 2009, reports AP.