February 11, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Prom Made Safe: Santa Monica High School Hosts Queer Dance

By Susan Payne

Beyond the suits, dresses, jackets, dancing and crown royalty was a prom made safe by Santa Monica High School’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance. 

Pride and lesbian, asexual and trans flags were decorated fixtures at the Welcome to Queer Prom, allowing high school teens to dance to Lady Gaga, Lorde and Harry Styles, in a place they feel safe and welcome, according to a report from KCRW.

Two students from the San Gabriel Valley, Bo Ryan and Morgan Lind, traveled to Santa Monica for the festivities. 

Queer prom is the equivalent of an official prom — suits, dresses, jean jackets, dancing and crown royalty — but with decorative pride and lesbian, asexual and trans flags in a welcoming, safe environment. Queer proms have become a safe space where they can show up and truly be themselves without fear, Ryan told KCRW. 

“When you’re in public, you’re cautious going to the bathroom. Even when I’m in safe spaces, going into the men’s restroom — it’s always like you keep your guard up,” Ryan said. “These types of events are good because it is a moment where you can let go of that caution. You don’t have to have that fear that you keep with you. That can just go away for a little bit. Nobody is going to dehumanize you for your identity.” 

Chair of the Santa Monica High School GSA, Leo Patel, said he attended the official high school prom a few weeks ago, but the experience didn’t feel the same. 

Spaces like queer prom are still important, Patel said, regardless of more acceptance in the world for the LGBTQ community. 

“A lot of people nowadays are like, ‘Well, why can’t they just go to the normal prom? It’s California. It’s not a big deal.’ And I feel like at my prom, at my school, especially if you are homophobic, you’d be the one being bullied, which is great. But I feel there’s also this environment where it’s like, people aren’t judging you for being gay. They’re judging you for being different.”

in NEWS
Related Posts

What about are you protected from future wildfires?

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We...

Actor Will Arnett Lists Stunning Beverly Hills-Area Home for $22.5 Million

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Comedy Star’s Modern Farmhouse Features Custom Podcast Studio Actor and comedian Will Arnett is selling his modern farmhouse-style home near...

Shore Hotel Remains Sustainability Leader

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

By Susan Payne On track to open its new coastal-inspired restaurant, Shore Hotel has excited new offerings and initiatives this...

Help Shape the Future of Hart Park, Attend West Hollywood’s Public Meetings in February

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

WeHo Seeks Community Input on ADA Upgrades, Dog Park, and Safety Enhancements The City of West Hollywood is inviting community...

West Hollywood’s Tallest Tower Moves Forward with Environmental Review

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Proposed 34-Story Mixed-Use High-Rise Would Bring 514 Apartments A proposed 34-story high-rise that could become the tallest building in West...

Rescheduled 2024 Homeless Count Needs More Volunteers on the Westside

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Not Enough Volunteers to Successfully Count Unhoused Angelenos This Year With the rescheduled dates for the 2025 Greater Los Angeles...

Student Protest Over Immigration Policies Leads to Walkouts Across the Westside

February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025

Walkout Turns Tense as Counter-Protester Confronts Teen in Video From Venice Students from Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI), Culver City...

Open Arms Art Show Runs Through Mar. 22 in Burbank

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Opening Exhibition Saturday Feb. 8 from 12 to 8p.m. More than an art show, the Open Arms Exhibition is an...

Quiet Luxury: What’s Inside the New Regent Boutique and Sweet July

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

The Regent Santa Monica Beach, known for its perfect Santa Monica getaways, or local dining at its Mediterranean-based restaurant Orla...

West Hollywood Deputies Arrest San Bernardino Homicide Suspect on Sierra Bonita

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Man Wanted for Deadly Baseball Bat Attack Captured During Routine Patrol Deputies from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station apprehended a...

Serial Predator David Pearce Convicted of Murders, Rape in Shocking Fentanyl Overdose Case in West LA

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

“Dead Girls Don’t Talk,” Fake Producer Abandoned Women’s Bodies Like Garbage A jury convicted David Brian Pearce of two counts...

Best Spots to Celebrate Valentines, Galentines, or Have a Super Bowl Party on the Westside

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Cocktails, Game Day Grub, Valentine’s Pasta, and a Lonely Heart’s Tea Service You will find many excellent ways to celebrate...

FDA Issues High-Risk Recall for Pre-Packaged Broccoli Florets Sold at Walmart

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Recall Is Now Classified as Class I Due to Seriousness Of Contamination The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified...

Matū Kai Brings Its Signature Wagyu and Famous Cheesesteak to Brentwood

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Team Behind Beverly Hills’ Acclaimed Matū Is Opening a Second Location One of Beverly Hills’s newest and most popular restaurants,...

West Hollywood’s Drag Story Hour Returns for 2025 Season This Week

February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025

Family-Friendly Storytelling Series Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion The City of West Hollywood will launch its 2025 season of Drag Story...