San Mateo County will hold the third annual Pride Prom on Friday, April 18th. Free for all students, Pride Prom creates an inclusive space for any student in San Mateo County to celebrate themselves and their self-expression without fear of judgment.
“Pride Prom’s mission is to make a space for people to feel truly included. We’ve come a long way … but there is still a gap in true inclusion. Within school dances, there can still be this discomfort and cisnormativity or heteronormativity. Pride Prom is a place that breaks this down,” explains Pride Prom committee member and Burlingame High School student Violet Hansma. Like any other school dance, there is a DJ, food, games, and socialization. What makes it different is the inclusive efforts made by the team and the people who attend.
“I find queer people in general are often times more comfortable around each other … I notice people dress a lot more uniquely and I think people make a point to dress super cool, out there, and unique for Pride Prom,” observes Pride Prom attendee Alex Vanlandingham. Being in a space filled with people having a similar shared experience of being a queer high school student allows those attending to be unapologetically themselves. “Everybody deserves to have a place and a high school experience where they can feel truly themselves and truly at home,” says Violet.
Anyone can attend Pride Prom regardless of their gender, sexuality, and however else they may identify. Being free for everyone, inclusivity is the top priority to encourage students to have a safe and carefree night. As Violet puts best: “I don’t see too many backflips on the dance floor when I go to my Burlingame High School prom but at pride prom, I have–every time.”