Not just about dancing anymore

There seemed to be an electric charge in the unusually muggy air on May third. Some with a meteorological bent might claim it was an approaching warm front, but we know better: the air was so … different … for one reason and one reason only: the UNR QSU Gay Prom. Held on the top floor of the brand new Joe Crowley Student Union building, this year’s theme for Gay Prom was ‘Tempted by the Fruit: Out in Eden,’ and the décor was quite fitting: large arches, live trees, and a mass of gyrating bodies on the dance floor not seen since the rave in Zion.

Yes, a collection who’s-who, who-was, and who’s-going-to-be gathered in the ballroom in various stages of formality to celebrate the thing that makes us who we are: our inherent uniqueness. Because the GLBTQ is not really a united front with any particular set of shared morals or beliefs - but is made of people who are brought together because we are not straight – its hard to find events we can all enjoy together. It is this realization that makes events such as Gay Prom so necessary to a cohesive, growing community.

For once, it seemed, in a room full of ‘our kind,’ there was no pretense, no posturing – although there was still the usual amount of preening. Everyone at Gay Prom came together to make our own an event that traditionally celebrates heterosexuality, an event that many in the community did not - or could not - participate in as the beautiful, unique people they are.

To that end, Gay Prom was, as it always is, free to high school students and affordably priced for everyone else. DJ Theta was amazing, playing a mix of house, dance, crunk and top 40, and it was obvious from the intense heat inside that all in attendance were moving, dancing, and having fun.

Everyone involved with putting on Gay Prom 2008 should be incredibly proud of the fruits of their labor. Events that unite in times of division, that promote visibility and openness as our community fights for its place in society are always to be lauded…and heavily attended.

It should be remembered although Gay Prom falls once a year, it gives us a lesson in community and humanity, friendship and camaraderie which we all need to be reminded of from time to time. Not just an amazing event, Gay Prom is a social statement: visible events like this serve as that reminder that in large numbers, the chatter of hurried conversations mingle, come together to say “It’s OK to be gay!” And honestly, if a party can make someone feel more comfortable with themselves, you know there’s fairy dust involved.