LIKE many teenagers, Amelia Trickey is excited about an imminent formal, planning to glam up in a red gown and teetering stilettos.

The 16-year-old from Glen Waverley is thinking of inviting a girl she's keen on but they won't be going to her own private school's formal.

Amelia Trickey, Shivaun Haverkamp, Marco Fink, Minus18 general manager Micah Scott (centre), Edward McAndrew and James Smoley. Credit:Joe Armao

While the religious, conservative co-ed school outwardly supports equality, her hunch is it would create chaos to ask to bring a girlfriend. When she told teachers about this article, she was asked not to name the school.

The one instance where a gay couple attended Amelia's school's formal - before she came to the school - has become part of school lore. ''It was people making snide comments, like, 'Look, they're hooking up, two girls, oh my god.' ''