READ MORE | Support builds for gay Ga. teen over prom date

Despite support pouring in from around the country for a gay student in Cochran, Ga., planning to take a same-sex date to the prom, his parents have kicked him out of the house.

Derrick Martin, an 18-year-old senior at Bleckley County High School, attracted national attention — even a Facebook page with more than 400 fans– after news surfaced that his school district OK’d his request to bring his boyfriend to the prom next month.

But after the crush of publicity, his parents booted him from their house, according to the Macon Telegraph.

Martin said he got 54 messages Tuesday on Facebook.

“I appreciate it,” he said. “I was speechless that they said they would buy me dinner or buy me a tux in case someone messed mine up.”

But because of the media attention, Martin’s parents have kicked him out and the teen is staying with a friend, he said.

The new Facebook page supporting Martin is full of encouragement. But the response to a report by WMAZ prompted scores of comments that support Martin, criticize the school system’s decision and back the decision of his parents to kick Martin out of the house.

Photo: Derrick Martin by Woody Marshall/Macon Telegraph