Slip into your pride shoes and dance the night away in rainbow-colored style as we celebrate the first annual National Pride Prom Day taking place on the fourth Saturday in June. Held on June 28 this year, it forms part of June’s Pride Month celebrations and is dedicated to creating inclusive and affirming prom experiences for LGBTQ+ youth and adults alike.
National Pride Prom Day rolls out the red carpet, literally and figuratively, to honor the beauty and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community by offering a comfortable, welcoming environment where students and those wishing to relive their prom experience can embrace who they are and express themselves authentically. Let’s come together for dancing, fun, and a celebration of inclusivity and acceptance.
History of National Pride Prom Day
Prom is a significant milestone in high school students’ lives and that’s why National Pride Prom Day invites you to celebrate love, acceptance and inclusivity, the cornerstones of pride, in a joyous and affirming environment where everyone can come together to be who they truly are and make beautiful, lasting memories.
The concept of Pride Proms first originated in the early 2000s when local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and organizations recognized the need for inclusive prom experiences. The aim was to create safe, fun spaces where students could celebrate be themselves with people who love and accept them.
Organizations like Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and The Trevor Project played an important role in promoting and supporting these events and, over the years, their popularity has grown significantly across the United States. Today, Pride Proms are celebrated in many schools and communities around the country.
The first National Pride Prom Day takes place on June 28 to celebrate all that pride stands for in a fabulous, unforgettable way. It highlights the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and also serves as a reminder of the ongoing work that’s still needed to ensure equality and acceptance for all. National Pride Prom Day empowers LGBTQ+ youth to embrace their identities and encourages allies to continue advocating for inclusive and supportive environments in all spheres of life. It’s not just a dance; it’s a celebration of who we are and a powerful statement of pride and unity.
National Pride Prom Day timeline
The concept first arises when local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and community organizations recognize the need for inclusive prom experiences.
More schools and communities begin to organize these events.
Organizations like GLSEN, PFLAG, and The Trevor Project play an important role in promoting and supporting Pride Proms.
The rise in social media advocacy helps to amplify the message of Pride Proms and create awareness.
The lockdowns lead to adaptation and many Pride Prom events are held virtually.
The first-ever National Pride Prom Day takes place.
How to Celebrate National Pride Prom Day
Host or attend a local Pride Prom event
Organize a Pride Prom in your community or school with a vibrant, inclusive theme, colorful decorations, a playlist featuring LGBTQ+ artists, and a dance floor that invites everyone to let loose and have fun. Encourage attendees to dress in their most fabulous and creative prom outfits that reflect their unique styles and identities. Alternatively, you can attend a local Pride Prom event in your state, like the San Francisco Pride Prom, for an inclusive night of dancing and fun.
Organize a virtual prom
It’s easy and, above all else, so much fun! Set up a virtual prom using any of the video conferencing platforms available. Those “attending” can still dress to impress and you can include elements like virtual photo booths that have pride-themed backgrounds and dance-offs.
Donate to LGBTQ+ youth organizations
National Pride Prom Day is a great opportunity to raise funds, which you can donate to your local LGBTQ+ youth organizations. These organizations provide essential resources and promote awareness — donations can go a long way to support their important cause.
National Pride Prom Day FAQs
What is a Pride Prom?
A Pride Prom is an event where students can attend with whomever they want, dress in whatever attire they feel most comfortable in, and dance in celebration of who they ar4e. It’s all about promoting inclusion and acceptance and having fun!
Why have a Pride Prom?
Pride Proms are a celebration of all that’s beautiful about the LGBTQ+ community. They center around the ideas of diversity, acceptance, and inclusion and are opportunities for all to enjoy the prom experience to the fullest and in a way that makes everyone feel comfortable and happy.
Who can attend a Pride Prom?
Pride Proms are for anyone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as their allies. The inclusivity of Pride Proms is the central aspect of these events, after all.
5 Facts About LGBTQ+ Students And Prom
One of the first Pride Proms
The UCR student organization, Queer Alliance, hosted one of the first Pride Proms in 2003 as an annual outreach event.
The first gay prom
In 1994, the first gay prom took place in Los Angeles, California.
The first gay couple to attend prom
Grady Quinn and Randy Rohl attended the Lincoln High School prom in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1979.
A special Prom King and Queen
Annie Wise and Riley Loudermilk were the first lesbian couple to be crowned Prom King and Queen on April 17, 2021.
The first transgender Prom Queen
Corey Rae was crowned Prom Queen on May 27, 2010, and was the first transgender woman to receive the title.
Why We Love National Pride Prom Day
It's fabulous fun
National Pride Prom Day is as colorful and vibrant as the community it celebrates! It's a time to dance, laugh, and create memories that reflect the beauty of LGBTQ+ pride.
It celebrates inclusivity
National Pride Prom Day celebrates inclusivity and acceptance by creating an environment where LGBTQ+ youth can freely express themselves. It’s a chance for them to dance, have fun, and create memories with people they feel comfortable being themselves around.
It unifies the community
National Pride Prom Day brings students, teachers, families, and allies together in a united celebration of love and support. It strengthens the sense of community and solidarity.
National Pride Prom Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 22 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 28 | Saturday |
| 2026 | June 27 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 26 | Saturday |
| 2028 | June 24 | Saturday |
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