Posted on: Friday, October 8, 2004
High school prom — their way
By Tanya Bricking Leach
Advertiser Staff Writer
Before Tim Pham was "out," he took a girl to the Saint Louis School prom and felt awkward about it.
This year, "I can be more myself," said Pham, who will attend tomorrow night's second annual prom for gays, lesbians, transgendered and bisexual teens.
The courtyard of the YWCA Laniakea Center on Richards Street will be transformed into a dance floor for "At Last," the gay prom sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee and student group called The Rainbow Revolutionaries.
The idea is to provide a safe environment for teens who often miss their own school proms because they feel uncomfortable taking a same-sex date, said Robin Nussbaum, coordinator of the service committee's Gay Liberation program. The prom is this weekend to coincide with National Coming Out Day, which is Monday.
Last year was a landmark for the group, when they held the state's first gay prom — an idea that has caught on nationwide since Boston held the first one nearly a quarter century ago.
Alex Ortiz, 18, a senior at Campbell High School, expects twice as many prom-goers at this year's event than the few dozen who were at last year's.
"I liked the gay prom a lot last year," he said. "But I think it's kind of sad we have to have our own prom to feel safe."
His goal is to see the day when students can bring dates of their choice to any school dance, without the stares. Until then, they'll dance on at a prom of their own.
Tanya Bricking Leach writes about relationships. Reach her at 525-8026 or leach@honoluluadvertiser.com.
By the night's end, they will crown two queens and two kings.
If you go ...
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door for tomorrow night's gay prom at the YWCA Laniakea Center on Richards Street, downtown. The semi-formal event is from 8 p.m. to midnight. For information, call 988-2184.
