If you go to public school in the United States, then you are legally allowed to bring a same sex date to prom. Your right to do so is actually protected under the First Amendment as a right to expression. Additionally, you have a right to protection and an environment free from sexual harassment at school. This is protected by something called Title IX.
In part, this right is protected because of the actions of a high school senior named Aaron Fricke. In 1980 Fricke successfully sued his high school for not allowing him to take his boyfriend to prom. This set a precedent for other legal cases brought by students against their schools.
Lambda Legal, a GLBT legal service agency has great resources regarding prom and other school activities.
Taking a same gender date to prom isn't for everyone. But if you decide to do it, it is best to be prepared and know your rights, so it can be a special night that you'll remember for the right reasons.
