CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - A group hosted a special prom Saturday night to give youth who feel they don't fit in at traditional school proms their evening to shine.
The group We Are Family hosted the Charleston Queer Prom 2019 at the Redux Contemporary Art Center in Charleston
The theme of the prom was “Enchanted” and students were invited to come dressed as they liked.
The event is necessary, the group says because many schools expect all girls to wear prom dresses and all boys to wear tuxedos.
“We know that some gay, lesbian, transgender and gender expansive youth don’t fit these molds when it comes to self expression,” a statement from the group read. “Additionally, many students are bullied in school and have to be home-schooled, so they miss their prom, or maybe their prom experience through their school is not so LGBT-affirming.”
The Charleston Queer Prom sets out to provide an alternative evening so those students can express themselves in their own way in what the group described as a “safe space and judge-free zone for all.”
The event also featured treats by professional chefs, non-alcoholic “mocktails,” crafts, and an “Enchanted”-themed rainbow forest.
This event was open to all middle and high school students and straight allies were also welcome to attend.
This was the fourth year of the event. It began with 50 kids and has grown to more than 180, spokesperson Jonatan Ramirez said.
The event was free to students and is funded primarily by donations.
Photos: WCSC Ch 5 & Getty Images