Oh, what a night indeed my friends. On Thursday night of April 27, UFV’s Pride Collective hosted Queer Prom, and I attended. The event gave students at UFV (and their non-student plus-ones) a chance to experience a prom as their authentic selves in an inclusive and supportive environment. Having never been to prom myself, I can’t compare this night’s events with any baselines or preconceptions of my own. But after talking to many who attended, I must conclude that the goal of creating an inclusive environment for all who attended was an absolute success—and an unprecedented experience, for most previous prom participants.
The Pride Collective hosted this event with considerations I have never witnessed at any event before. They had a flower crown making station to help break the ice. They had a rainbow sensory station for any who felt overwhelmed by the noise and lights, with scented and textured items for all who needed or wanted to stimulate other senses. They had a phone charging station for any to use; they had pins at the door for those who wished to identify their pronouns; and, the one that hit me on a personal level—when I commented that I was getting a headache, they offered me access to a dark quiet room so that I might recharge. The inclusivity I witnessed this night was on such display that I encourage any student body hosting future events to consider Queer Prom as a model.
The theme of Queer Prom was “Spring Flowers and Rainbow Showers” with a formal dress code; although, I showed up in cargo pants, a band tee, blazer, and battle jacket, and no one batted an eye—let alone turned me away. I have mentioned the flower crown making area, so now let me tell you about the photo booth, backdrop, decorations, and food. There was a hanging frame within a canopy of hundreds of beads, jewelry, and fabric work. To the side stood a table full of props on sticks, and large flowered letters spelling out P-R-O-M for any to adorn their pictures; there was a more formal golden and glittering backdrop for those who wanted it as well.
The decorations, as any could expect, were rainbow; from table runners to banners that gave the message “It’s a magical day,” rainbows were everywhere. As they were setting up I even witnessed a few people organising the drinks in as close to the “ROYGBIV” pattern as they could. Pop, bubly, and water were available free of charge, and there was also a pizza-lined station with food-considerate labels for all dietary restrictions.
The overall vibes that flew that night were organic and fluid; as I first entered, I made my way to the flower crown station, just to “up” my look a tad. As I worked hot glue, others around me sat at tables talking with friends and making new acquaintances in a soft purr of laughter and conversation. Soon, it was time to eat the pizza and tables shifted as people sat with groups of friends, old and new. The music was chill and soft. I silently admired all the poofy dresses; giant skirts of tulle of all colours, floating around.
But then, “Holding Out for a Hero” came on as most finished their ‘Za, beckoning the first dancers to the floor. The energy of the room quickened as more joined the festivity. Like any high school movie I’ve seen, this prom had mildly choreographed dancing, well-timed slow numbers, and MC’d breaks for everyone to catch their breaths.
The big highlight of the night was the drag show. Some were making their debut, and with professionals to guide them, had everyone in the room hyped and mesmerised. Hands were clapping, toes were tapping, and cheers, woos, and krrrs were exclaimed!
After talking to almost all the tables, the consensus I got from the room as a whole was that prom or no prom, inclusive social events such as this one are needed. The collegiate experience should not be restrictive, and should be more than just going to classes. It should be for all, it should be fun, and it should be magical; this event was all of those things and more. It was not only a “magical day,” but a magical night as well. Oh, what a night it was.
