This March, the LGBTQ+ Support Group of Lakeland College will be offering a prom night for those who didn’t get the chance. The inaugural event titled “The Prom You Never Had” is bringing a space for gender and sexual minorities to enjoy an inclusive prom night.
The catered event will bring a “Casino Royale” theme to the college’s Lloydminster campus. It’s made with gender and sexual minorities in mind but is also open to allies of the community. President of the Lakeland College LGBTQ+ Support Group, William Yap, says the event holds a special significance for those who couldn’t be themselves in high school.
“Some people think back to their prom and think ‘oh, I wish I didn’t do that’ and so it’s a great way to have a do-over for your prom. Especially for students who do identify under the LGBTQ+ rainbow,” says Yap.
The event is an opportunity for people to bring who they actually want to prom and caps off Pride Awareness Week at Lakeland College. The college’s first Pride Awareness Week happened last April to bring more understanding of gender and sexual diversity. This year it will be held on both Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses from February 25 until March 1, which Yap calls a powerful message.
“Because both Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses are celebrating pride week this year, it’s a testament that both communities are ready to celebrate that love wins, in all its forms,” says Yap. He adds that since not everyone has nice clothing for a casino night, the event is keeping the dress code open.
“We’re keeping it completely open because we do understand that some students might not have the fancy tuxes and all that. I would hate for them not to come because they don’t have the clothing theme for it.”
Tickets can be purchased at the Lakeland Student Association or through members of the LGBTQ+ Society of Lloydminster. They cost $10 for students and $25 for community members.