Gay Prom Gives Teens Experience Without Fear

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - High school prom is a rite of passage for American teens.
Every year, however, countless students in the Valley and around the country forgo this defining life event, but not because they can't afford a dress or find a date.
Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered teens stay home every year because of fear of harassment and bullying.
"Everybody thinks of certain events that you're supposed to have during high school. Prom is one of those events, but a lot of gay and lesbian students don't feel like they're welcome at their own prom," said Tiffany Davis, co-president of TRANSforming Hearts and Minds, an organization that put on an alternative prom Friday night for gay students.
Pamela Weir, 17, a junior at Chaparral High School, was one of about 120 gay prom guests who gathered at the Lath House Pavilion in downtown Phoenix's Heritage Square for music, dancing and pictures.
Weir, a lesbian, said some gay students at her high school are subjected to name-calling and physical attacks and shy away from bringing their same-sex significant others to prom.
"High school is a really scary place to be out because kids can be mean," Weir said.
Alternative proms for gay students, which have been held in places like San Francisco for years, are relatively new to Arizona.
A gay prom was hosted in Phoenix two years ago; now TRANSforming Hearts and Minds is starting it back up with the intention of holding it every year.
McClintock High School senior Sulaiman Stephens, 17, said prom is an exciting milestone and it's unfortunate that students would feel uncomfortable attending their own school's signature event.
But he thinks the alternative prom is "a great idea" because gay students would probably be teased if they attended traditional school dances.
"They would receive some sort of teasing and taunting," Stephens said. "It's unfortunate that some students have to go through that. I don't agree with it.
"Just as I express my heterosexuality, they have the same right to express their homosexuality."
Not everyone agrees. Weir said she has experienced plenty of name-calling from people she doesn't even know. "On a couple of occasions I've actually had things thrown at me during lunch."
In addition to the gay prom, she said she will be going to her own high school prom in May, with her girlfriend Morgan, but not for the same reasons as her classmates.
"That is more about making a statement and showing that we're not afraid, more than actually just having fun and relaxing," she said.
"I'm thrilled that there is a gay prom," Weir added, "but I hope that one day there won't be a need for one."
from The Arizona Republic