Do you ever wish that you could go back in time, and relive, or shall I say revive your prom experience? You know, rather than squeezing yourself into a white taffeta eighties gown, and accommodating your heterosexual coupled friends because your date ended up in jail the night before (not that I am speaking from experience), actually enjoying prom like the rest of your classmates? While this may not be possible for those who did experience a prom reminiscent of Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion, those between the ages of 12-25 can do what we never did: be an active and included member of the prom club.

Youth Understanding Youth, a volunteer community organization that offers support services for LGBTQ2S individuals in Edmonton and surrounding communities is proudly presenting its 6^th Annual Queer Prom on Saturday, June 2nd at Enterprise Square.

"The Prom was actually an idea incepted by the youth in the group", says Scott Mair, Director of Youth Understanding Youth. "They didn’t feel comfortable taking their respective partners to their own school’s event, and wanted an event of their own where they would feel comfortable."

It began as a small event at the Pride Centre, and worked its way up in both attendance and venue space to where it is now, with last year’s attendance around 500 people.

"It is so important that youth feel comfortable for prom," asserts Mair, "whether it be them dressing in drag to Prom, or who they want to bring with them."

Part of the Queer Prom’s success lies in the queer community of Edmonton as well as the organizations that are sponsors. "The community component of the event is integral to the entire event," adds Mair. "Just to be in a room with so many like-minded people accomplishing a common goal is quite remarkable. Plus you get to meet people from other agencies. It is fun and educational, and it is great to have that extra support."

Support and sponsorship is also coming from sources from outside of the community. Child and Family Services Region 6 has partnered with Youth Understanding Youth  to put on the event. There is also entertainment courtesy of the Imperial Court and DJ Frostiblack, plus additional support from Edmonton's queer bars. "The sense of community cohesiveness at this event is something that I would really like to highlight," adds Mair.

Like most queer organizations, particularly those that work with youth, funding is scarce and the bases are grassroots, yet the outcomes are remarkable. Scott Mair and Youth Understanding Youth have worked tirelessly to make sure that the Prom is open to everyone, and with their growing attendance, this idea is catching on.