Brandon Flyte.

When Oregon high school student Brandon Flyte directed and starred in the gay-themed short movie Brokeback High as part of a class filmmaking assignment, it wasn't his plan to further a gay rights agenda. "There aren't many straight teenagers out there making serious gay love stories," the 17-year-old Flyte tells GenQ. "I think it's a bold thing to put to film."

So bold it got Flyte tossed out of school, he claims. After his English teacher saw Brokeback High, Flyte was told by administrators to edit out a shirtless snuggle scene between him and another guy before screening it for his English class, which he did. But when he showed the unedited version to his marine biology class, Flyte says, West Linn High School officials informed him he would be finishing out his senior year at a local community college.

The school district's superintendent denied Flyte was forced out, saying he will be allowed to stay and graduate with his class, providing he improves what had been a spotty attendance record.

No matter who's right or wrong, one thing is clear: Students were awed by Brokeback High, giving the film rave reviews and voting Flyte Best Actor. "I have always been supportive of the gay people in my life. My best friend is gay, and so are relatives of mine," Flyte says. "It's only until recently that I ever even considered the word 'ally' in regard to the gay and lesbian community."