Prom — this one word has the ability to bring countless emotions and memories to mind. It is an important day for many high school students, taking several months of preparation and hundreds of dollars spent for just a few hours of exhilaration. Unfortunately, this is not how everyone remembers the prom of their high school days.
For the gay community, prom was an event where many stayed home, or attended only to find themselves “out of place.” But this Saturday, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Alliance will get a chance to take part in a prom of their own.
The Queer Prom will provide a chance for all of those who missed their first prom to attend one they can really call a night to remember, event organizers said.
There are always a few pertinent questions when it comes to getting ready for a prom. Who to take, where to dine before the dance, and most importantly, what to wear. How about a great black tux with a bright vest and snazzy shoes to compliment your date’s blue-black spaghetti strap evening gown?
The Queer Prom is a first for the gay community in Eugene. It’s sponsored by the Lane Community College Queer Resource Center, the University’s LGBTQA and other groups from around Oregon. Students from 22 universities and community colleges from across the state will attend the dance this weekend.
Kristina Armenakis, co-director of the LGBTQA, said the theme for the evening is “The Night They Never Had.”
“One of the reasons this prom is so important to me is because this is the first time I have gotten to get all dressed up with the queer community at such a well-organized event,” Armenakis said.
She added that the Queer Prom provides a safe atmosphere for people of all ages and sexual orientations.
Students said they liked the idea.
“It sounds like a great opportunity for people to get together with the same interests,” said Taylor Stevenson, a student handing out pamphlets at the ASUO Street Faire.
LGBTQA member Cathlene McGraw said prom has been considered by some to be a ‘heterosexist’ occasion. She said while there will be no king or queen crowned at the Queer Prom, the event celebrates all types of relationships.
The Queer Prom will take place Saturday in the ballroom at the Red Lion Inn, located at 205 Coburg Road from 8 p.m. until midnight. It will feature dancing and piñatas, as well as music by DJ Coco. Tickets are available at the door and cost $5 per person or $8 per couple. There will also be a photographer to capture the memories of the special night, with photo prices ranging from $5 to $45. Organizers said anyone with an open mind and the need to have a good time is invited to attend, with or without a date.