The Miscellaneous Youth Network is at it again! Calgary’s LGBT youth organization is attacking the horrors of high school prom - a sometimes uncomfortable situation that arises for graduating LGBT youth.

Of course, the date is the issue: "It’s about bringing the date that you always wanted to, and being able to be who you are," says James Demers, of the Miscellaneous Youth Network.

Calgary’s 2nd Annual Queer Prom opens its doors at 8pm on June 23rd in the beautiful Arrata Opera Centre, offering a night for Calgary’s LGBTQ community to celebrate their milestones and achievements. In an era where queer youth are stepping up and into the media spotlight as future leaders, there are still some who do not feel comfortable bringing their partners to their final high school dance.

The Miscellaneous Youth Network is hosting the prom, with all proceeds going directly to support queer youth in Calgary. "Queer Prom is a reclamation of a rite of passage, and an opportunity of celebration," insists Justine Bonczek, co-chair of The Miscellaneous Youth Network, "This is a huge event for Calgary and totally unique in its theme for the queer community here. The name Queer Prom itself is a powerful statement. This isn’t an event about segregating ourselves away out of need: this is an event where we can come together and celebrate our milestones... It’s about reclaiming all the nights that we couldn’t be ourselves, taking back all the fear and replacing it with joy."

The Arrata Opera Centre, home of Calgary Opera, is a refurbished encore in the 100 year-life of the Wesley United Church. Started in 1911, the church came into Calgary Opera’s hands in 2005, and now houses administration, rehearsals, recitals, and events. Surely, though, this must be a unique event even for the dramatic life of an opera house!

The Queer Prom will be offering more than just a dance venue this year. In fact, they are offering professional photographers, a full bar (for those of legal drinking age), a midnight buffet, and a Prom King/Queen contest complete with a prize package for the two lucky winners.

The Miscellaneous Youth Network is a not-for-profit organization in Calgary, dedicated to making safe places for queer youth. They run the Mosaic Youth Group, Risen - Calgary’s Queer Youth Art and Theatre Show, as well as annually organizing the Kids Zone for the Pride Street Festival.