About Safe Space NOVA’s Pride Prom: Pride Prom is an opportunity for gender diverse and sexual minority youth to attend a prom with pride, dress however they are most comfortable, and proudly dance with whomever they choose! Our LGBTQIA+ Student Ambassadors have selected Out of the Shadows: A Gothic Prom as their theme because that is what PRIDE is all about – boldly stepping out from the bleak and into the brightness!

The History of Pride Prom: Beginning in 2017, the first regional Pride Prom proudly hosted over 200 youth from nearly 35 high schools spanning 5 counties! Pride Prom provides the region's LGBTQIA+ youth (and their friends!) with a magical experience that rivals the traditional school-sponsored proms while ensuring a welcoming and safe atmosphere. We find it unacceptable that any youth feel excluded from the prom experience without compromising their true selves. Pride Prom is unique, in that it is boasts education, compassion, action AND celebration. In addition to a traditional dance, we also provide:

▪ EDUCATION – Students have the unique opportunity to connect with LGBTQ-affirming organizations which provide social, medical, and mental health support to youth in Northern Virginia and beyond.

▪ COMPASSION – We ensure a quieter space for students who need to take a break or speak to our volunteer mental health professionals as anxiety has been reported by students attending their first dance or experiencing dysphoria. Attendees may also borrow Silent Disco headphones!

▪ ACTION – Students apply to serve as Pride Prom Leaders who work from December through May creating their prom while learning advocacy skills which they are encouraged to turn into action within their communities.

▪ CELEBRATION – Pride Prom is fun! Students routinely report that it is their favorite day of the year and that they cannot wait for next year’s event! Join us for pride swag ($), door prizes, food (Classic Catering), a dessert waffle bar, drag (Evita Peroxide), and tunes (DJ Eletrox)!

Safe Space NOVA’s Pride Prom is a non-profit event, fully supported by student fundraisers, ticket sales, community donations, and support from Safe Space NOVA and other sponsors. We both depend on and are sincerely grateful for the continued support of our community of generous volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors. We thank you for your commitment, funding, and altruism in giving back to the queer and trans youth who will become the leaders of tomorrow. We thank you in advance for your donations which will add some brightness in what has been a year of darkness for many transgender teens and adults.