Out Youth’s 2017 Youth Prom was a smashing success.

Three hundred youth from all over Central Texas dressed up in some amazing outfits to join us at St. Andrews Episcopal High School for a night of dancing and celebration of being their authentic fabulous selves. This year educators from the Umlauf Sculpture Garden provided the opportunity for Prom attendees to make art projects when they needed a break from dancing. DJ Girlfriend, our ever-loyal emcee, played some great tunes - mix of 80s dance classics and contemporary pop music.

I asked one of our youth how they would explain Out Youth Prom to someone who had never been to prom, and this is what he had to say:

“Out Youth Prom is a safe prom for anyone LGBTQ+,” said the Youth. “I really liked that about it. I was actually comfortable wearing something feminine for once, which is relatively unusual for me. What happens at Prom? Well just about everything that happens at a 'normal' prom. Well, I guess 'normal' isn’t correct. Our prom should be the 'normal' one. This prom is like any other prom, except it is OURS! That’s what makes it special. Out of all the dances I’ve ever been, this one was the most comfortable for me.”

Generous donors supported our Youth Prom. Casey Legler visited the Drop-in Center back in March and was so moved by our young folks, she coordinated donations of Alexander Olch bow ties and Milk makeup for our youth. We also crafted some homemade pocket squares, hair bows, and other accessories in the drop in center in order to give everyone's outfit that extra Out Youth pizzaz.

It was a truly fabulous evening. Our youth have already begun the countdown to Prom 2018.