A Pride Prom event in June seeks to connect LGBTQ+ teens in Livingston County.
Queer Families Livingston is hosting the Pride Prom on Friday, June 23rd from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Howell Opera House. Teens ages 14-19 who identify in the queer community or are strong allies, are invited to celebrate June as Pride Month with dancing, crafts, prizes and other fun activities.
Queer Families Livingston is designed to be a connecting point, a center of communication and resources for parents who identify as queer, parents raising queer children. It’s also an opportunity for children who identify as queer, or children of queer parents to connect through activities and events.
The use of the term “queer” is often used to convey a variety of sexual and gender identities. Originally a harmful slur, it started to be reclaimed by the LGBT community following the Stonewall Riots in 1969.
Queer Families Livingston organizer Sara Steinhauser told GIGO News where the idea for the Pride Prom came from.
“When QFL began, we spent a lot of time talking to those who are in the queer community about what they would like to see in Livingston County,” she said. “One of the recurring themes was wanting more events for queer teens in Livingston. Many of these teens grow up and seek out different communities after graduation such as Ann Arbor or Ferndale. They see these locations as having more opportunities to socialize and be themselves.”
Steinhauser says after talking with local alliance clubs, they loved the idea of having a local Pride Prom and collectively decided on the theme, which will be masquerade.
Everyone is encouraged to wear a decorated masquerade mask, although it isn’t required. There will be adult chaperones, with soft drinks and pizza provided half-way through the event.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by using PayPal or Venmo, with those details available on the group’s Facebook page.
Meanwhile, The Connection Youth Service center will be hosting a mask decorating event on Monday, May 22nd from 3 – 8 p.m. All supplies will be free and all those who attend will leave with their own mask to wear for Pride Prom.
Details on the Pride Prom can be found by CLICKING HERE
