Last year’s conflicts in the Bitterroot Valley over LGBTQ+ issues has resulted in the first-ever Queer Prom being organized for this April.
Organizers are hosting two nights of prom. Friday, April 22 is for adults and is open to anyone on the LGBTQ+ spectrum and any ally. Saturday, April 23 is for teens. It will take place at the Missoula County Fairgrounds Commercial Building from 7 to 10 p.m. Organizers hope to provide a safe place for everyone to be their authentic selves.
Bitterroot resident Kelsey Tha crafted the idea after witnessing some community members reject a rainbow crosswalk in Hamilton last summer and try to shut down a Gay Straight Alliance at Florence-Carlton School. Tha empathized with LGBTQ+ teens who were hurt by these events and knew as an ally she could provide hope.
“It broke my heart to see the aggressive hatred and animosity toward children for just trying to exist,” Tha, of Hamilton, said. “I know the depression and suicide rate in Montana is high, and I know mental healthcare is severely lacking. Prom gives teens something to look forward to and lets them know we are happy they are here, happy they are alive, and we want them to succeed.”
Tha quickly partnered with like-minded community members and Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center (known as The Center). Businesses stepped forward to provide DJ services, raffle items, monetary donations and even clothes. The dress code is simply “wear whatever makes you feel confident!” Lady Baltimore, a fashion outfitter with the tagline, “You are a work of art. Dress accordingly,” is offering to help design a look for prom to any teen who needs it for free.
Prom will also feature a photobooth, snacks and drinks, and, of course, dancing! Legacy Lounge, a teen dance club and hang out located on Missoula’s Hip Strip, will be spinning beats. With raffle items from retailers across Western Montana, organizers hope to raise money for The Center and future events.
Organizers are still looking for donations. To register, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/queer-prom-2022-tickets-269953216337 or email [email protected] Attendees must register in order to be admitted.
Learn more:
Donate to The Center at gaymontana.org/donate (put Queer Prom)
On Facebook: facebook.com/wgmlcc
On Instagram: @lgbtmontana
Deb M says
This article is so misleading about the so called “hatred” in Hamilton. People have a right to protest something they don’t approve of. Just because we don’t want something crammed down our throats doesn’t mean we hate gays. We just don’t see them needing special recognition. You are feeding into a division of people that doesn’t need to be. If people are proud of who they are then be yourselves and stop expecting everyone to cater to your specific needs. Not everyone will be accepting of your choice of lifestyle but that’s on them not you…until you insist on being treated special. Why a separate prom? People really need to get over themselves and just live and let live.
Caro Dean says
It’s a fact that teen suicides have escalated in the years since the extremist Gay agenda promotions. Even 5 years ago, no one really cared what anyone’s sexual preferences were. And at that time, less that 2% of American teens identified as gay. For example, Hollywood movie stars were coming out right and left, and everyone continued to attend their movies–because it really didn’t affect or make a difference to us. But now, with the exposed GROOMING agenda and the huge indoctrination and propaganda push by our government, in the public schools, we parents are ALL about protecting our influential kids. When extremists cried about prayer in the schools, reasoning that kids were impressionable and prayer was influencing them toward Jesus Christ, you championed protecting the young. You can’t have it both ways and expect mainstream American’s to support your inclusiveness.
Samantha says
It’s going to be an awesome event!
Krissy says
Always preaching about inclusiveness and this sounds pretty exclusive to me. I am not part of your LBGTQ+ club, so I am not invited?? If y’all are sooo comfortable in your own skin and so proud – then why the queer only prom? Why not rock your authentic self at a everyone is invited prom? Lord help us all.
Nancy mccourt says
Krissy – I think you misread the article. it’s inclusive to all! there is no “club’, as far as I can tell, at least I’m not a member and. all I had to do to get tickets for my husband and me to go is click the event link. I’m getting ready right now. We’ve been married for 37 years but never to a prom together. Hope your heart changes and we see you there.