Equality Springfield is excited to host its first ever Equality Prom on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Equality Springfield came together in 2010 as a non-profit dedicated to a four-fold mission:
- to promote broader awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in the greater Springfield community
- to improve the visibility of LGBTQ+ people by actively participating in the cultural life of the city
- to build coalitions of supportive individuals and organizations
- to provide opportunities for fellowship and mutual respect among LGBTQ people and their allies.
Equality Springfield believes in a welcoming and inclusive Springfield, and the organization has evolved to serve the changing needs of its of community.
Kyle Scott, Equality Springfield Board Vice President and Chairman of the Equality Prom, says everyone in the community is welcomed and encouraged to attend the Equality Prom.
“It's a safe space for everyone to have the type of prom they always wanted,” he says. “It's a judgement free space.”
Scott says the hope is to allow queer and non-conforming people the opportunity to have the prom they never got the chance to have.
“So often non-conforming people are on the outside looking in during adolescence,” he says. “This is a chance to build memories in a space that you belong.”
Planning for the Equality Prom began more than three months ago. The event will include a cash bar, DJ, and prom photos.
“I had the idea while having a conversation with my partner Jeff,” says Scott. “How fun it would be to have a prom night as an adult without all the barriers and insecurities of the teenage years?”
The Equality Prom will be from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, October 7, at the
Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Springfield.
Tickets for the Equality Prom are available online
here. Ticket sales close at midnight, Oct. 2.
A general admission ticket is $45 and includes entrance to the event, prom photos, appetizers, cash bar, and a thank you gift. The VIP ticket is $65 and includes the same as a general admission ticket plus two drink vouchers for beer and wine.
“There are 150 tickets available, but they are selling fast,” says Scott. “The Equality Prom is a 1980's theme, so we are encouraging all guest to come decked out in their most fabulous 80's gear.”
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