Local Hate, National Love for Gay Teen in Prom Flap

Constance McMillen became a national hero after her school canceled the prom rather than allow her to take her girlfriend as her date, and she sued the school district. Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres have offered to fund the prom, she’s been given a $30,000 college scholarship, and the Facebook group “Let Constance Take Her Girlfriend to Prom!” has 100 times as many members as her Mississippi town has residents. But in the town, life isn’t exactly easy for her.

McMillen returned to school this week after spring break and says she's realizing who her "true friends" are. She’s had to visit her doctor for help with anxiety that’s made it hard for her to sleep or eat. “I’ve been very nervous about all of this,” she tells CNN. “I don’t like being somewhere where everyone hates me.” Still, she says the outside support helps her. “It means a lot,” she says. It “helps me to continue with the fight.” (More Constance McMillen stories.)