Young people who didn’t attend their high school proms because they were part of the LGBTQS+ community and didn’t feel comfortable can still have that experience.
The Free 2B Me group with the Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent is hosting a Second Chance Prom Night on Aug. 26. The free event at Chatham’s Hope House is open to people ages 18 to 30 who are either members of the LGBTQS+ community or allies.
Sam Erdelyi, supervisor of youth initiatives, said many in the LGBTQS+ community didn’t attend their high school proms because, historically, rules for those events often excluded them, making them feel uncomfortable to attend.
“The nice benefit about this prom is that you are coming to a place where you know everyone is an ally or part of the community. Everyone is safe to be around,” she said.
Erdelyi, 26, said a similar prom was held in the summer of 2019 that attracted a good turnout.
“It was so fun. It was a really cool day,” she said. “Everyone got really dressed up, which was really cool.”
Jessi Lashmore, 26, a member of Free 2B Me, didn’t attend his high school prom, because he didn’t feel comfortable.
While friends wanted him to go, Lashmore was reluctant at the time.
“I couldn’t be me. . . . I just didn’t feel like it was safe place,” he said.
He attended the 2019 prom organized by Free 2B Me, but was there as a photographer.
“It was cool seeing people’s faces. … You know they felt comfortable. You know they were having fun,” Lashmore said about the event.
Now, Lashmore is looking forward to attending Second Chance Prom Night as a participant.
“I’ve come out since the last prom,” he said.
Now that he’s transitioning, “it’s cool to be who I am fully and get to be who I am now.”
Natalie Gottschling, 30, program manager at Hope House, said she’s “super-excited” about the event, especially since she wasn’t working there when the first prom took place.
“It’s been a big group effort,” she said.
Ally Boyle, a 22-year-old summer student, said she’s been impressed by the work of Erdelyi and the other prom organizers.
“It’s been really great seeing all the effort Sam has put into it and I’m excited to see how it turns out,” she said.
Boyle said she will be helping Erdelyi during the event and will be “having fun with everyone.”
Erdelyi said the prom will mostly be held in the Hope House backyard but will extend inside for dining.
Those interested can contact Erdelyi at 519-351-3100 or [email protected] to reserve their free tickets.
The prom, which runs from 6 pm to 10 pm, will include a meal and beverages. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, organizers said.