The Queer Community Coalition will be hosting their third annual Gay Prom on April 9. This year’s theme is “Enchanted Garden” and will feature refreshments such as cupcakes from The Sugar Mouse Cupcake House and pizza.
“Our main goal is just to continue providing a sense of community and kinship between members of the queer community and greater Laramie community. It is important that we all stick together and support one another, and an event like this allows us to remind folks of that,” Peri Hennigar, co-president of the QCC, said. “Every time we’ve hosted this event, it’s been a fun event with lots of laughter and joy! So many folks were forced into boxes when it came to their high school proms and similar dances, so we want to make sure people get the chance to redo it and be their proudest selves!’
When asked about any potential UW community pushback, Hennigar said, “If people have negative thoughts about the event, they haven’t brought it to any of us. I hope that people are able to see that events like this truly are harmless and only work to provide community for all students.”
This Spring dance was funded by donations from UW’s Giving Day. It was made possible by students and others who helped spread the word back in October. The QCC expressed their gratitude to those in the community who came together to table in the Union and spread resources throughout that event.
“It’s important to stick together and continue fostering community. No matter what things look like on the political scope, we are still here to provide a safe and welcoming space to every student, no matter what. Love is a beautiful and powerful thing. UW has been talking a lot about being here for all students, and we’re just trying to show that everyone can exist together,” Hennigar said. “The best way to show support is to come! I don’t speak for every member of the community, but to me, the best way to be there is to help remove stigma and to show consistent support. We’re just here trying to have fun and be our best selves.”
Gay Prom will take place from 7-10 p.m. in the Union’s East and Center Ballrooms. For more information, you can go to the QCC Instagram @queercc_uwyo or email them at queercc.uwyo@gmail.com.
