LGBTA's Second Chance Prom

Under the dim glow of Christmas lights, students dressed in everything from drag to jeans were gathered at the LGBTA’s Fancy-As-You-Want Dance Party/Second-Chance Prom in the Union Ballroom Thursday night. It was the second time the LGBTA has organized this event, and year’s theme was “Forever Alone.”

“None of us had dates for Valentine’s, so we were like, “Fuck that! We should just have a dance where we could have a good time as friends and celebrate love in a different way,”” said Laura Drapkin, the club’s treasurer.

Traces of Valentine’s Day were evident in the decorations. Paper hearts lined the wall opposite the club’s large rainbow flag, and heart-shaped candy boxes were among the other treats the club had available for guests.

The prom-goers participated in a walk-off and a very intense game of musical chairs, all set to music provided by DJ Mohammad Osman. “He’s a terrific ally,” said Colleen O’Connor, LGBTA president. According to her, Osman DJ’ed the event for free.

“Every minority group needs allies,” said attendee Colby Allen. “There are allies here. It’s really good to see actually.”

The LGBTA holds the annual prom to give students that may have missed put in high school a second chance at enjoying the event. “Well I didn’t even go to prom because I knew that I was queer as a $3 bill,” said O’Connor. “I knew that I wouldn’t feel that comfortable at prom because it’s just full of people bumping and grinding and doing straight things.”

The club’s Executive Board and Allen agreed. “You kind of get to go to prom again without fear of being judged or anything like that. It’s a really liberating event.”

The LGBTA plans to hold another prom in the future, as well as their upcoming annual Drag Show. “We always want people to come and just know that there’s a safe space,” said Drapkin. “I think they’ll realize pretty quickly that we are not the judgmental type.”