I have mixed views on this, I have to say I understand people feeling frustrated that a prom gets more attention than other big issues but then I have to agree that prom can be a big deal and not being able to take your date because they are the same sex is discrimination.
I do think the anger needs to be redirected more at the media and not those that are fighting for gay rights, the girl using the media is doing all she can to help fight her case. It is obviously important to her and I have to think a fight for gay rights no matter how small is a worthy fight, and she cannot be blamed for using the media if they are willing to cover the story so much.
As someone said if that story was not covered it doesn't mean more important gay issues would be.
It would be great if the media covered the important issues but even the smallest of battles can have an effect on things. Fighting discrimination often starts small, with a handful of people refusing to be treated diffrently because of their race, sex, sexual orientation. The big fights help but all the small ones make some difference.
I try and see what the girl is doing as a positive thing and wish more in the gay community felt able to stand up for themselves, i think telling them to STFU is sending the wrong message, the gay community have had to live in silence for too long as it is. So we should be showing someone who is so young and able to speak out our support, not trying to silence them because there are enough people that want to do that.
As i said aim your anger at the media for deciding to cover this story over others for whatever reason, I am fairly sure the girl and many others would still fight even without the media coverage.
I think young gays and lesbians should be give the respect they deserve for standing up for gay rights in various ways, even if its as simple as prom dates. You never know who they will grow up to be and what they will do to support gay rights in the future and it may seem insignificant but this could just be the start. If she listens to the suggestion to STFU then you lose a gay adult with a voice who is not afraid to air her views on gay rights and fight for them.
That would be a sad loss.
Just worth thinking about.