Wexford Pride is thrilled to announce our upcoming event, Pride Goes to Prom, a second chance graduation ball for the LGBTQIA+ community across Wexford….
Wexford Pride is a voluntary community organisation led by and for the LGBTQIA+ community in Co.Wexford. It works to empower, celebrate and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and its diverse experiences, identities and cultures. Wexford Pride runs a calendar of social events, peer support spaces and community groups that respond to the needs and interests of LGBTQIA+ people in the county in addition to engaging in efforts in solidarity with community members and allies to support the realisation of social justice and equality on a local and national level.
For the organisation, one motivation behind the event is due to the fact that many LGBTQIA+ are denied the opportunity of celebrating their school debs, graduations and formal celebrations. Taking place on Saturday 19 October in Hotel Curracloe, this evening seeks to create a safe space that centres the celebration of queerness and authenticity.
‘Pride Goes to Prom’ was developed by Wexford Pride community members who reflected on their journey of identity formation and how these formative experiences are often missed, inaccessible or experienced in a way that does not affirm identities or self-expression that is perceived as not conforming to gender and sexuality norms. In taking a community-led approach a prom sub-committee was formed who, in volunteering their time, enthusiasm and creativity, have brought the event to life.
The Prom Sub-Committee members, both Spud and Kas, emphasised:
“Love, acceptance, and celebration take centre stage. Dance the night away in a safe, inclusive space, surrounded by friends and allies. Whether you want to relive the magic or experience it for the first time, this is your night to shine. Dress up, be yourself, and create memories that last forever! This night is THE night for all of us in the LGBTQ+ community to embrace who we are in a safe space, surrounded by each other.”
Attendees are invited to don their finest and embark on an evening of joy in a ‘forest fantasy’ setting including a buffet dinner, live music, spot prizes and the crowning of Wexford Prides’ very first prom monarchs! Prior to the event there will be a staffed make-up station for attendees to prepare their look in a safe and accepting space, with make-up supplied by Sam McCauleys. The prom will also have its own dedicated quiet space for attendees to recharge in an ambient setting.
John Cunningham-Ryan, the Secretary of Wexford Pride, told Wexford Weekly:
“Many queer folk have a renaissance when they figure out who they are, who they like and start living their authentic lives. The opportunity to have a do-over for a milestone event is fantastic & it’s fabulous to be able to provide this opportunity for our community”.
In July, community members and allies gathered together to fundraise for the event through Wexford Prides’ first LGBTQIA+ Community Symposium. The event presented a line-up of talks and discussions led by Wexford Pride community members and successfully raised €596 in support of the event.
Rían Browne, the Public Relations Office for Wexford Pride added:
“Often queer identity can become defined by our fight to exist despite forces that seek to question or deny our humanity as LGBTQIA+ people. Pride goes to Prom speaks to the importance of drawing upon the relationships and community we build as queer people to create positive, fun and affirming spaces that celebrate reclaiming these formative experiences as our authentic selves!”
This is an event for LGBTQIA+ community members over 18+ years. An online information session will take place on Saturday 21st September from 3pm – 4.30pm which will include a Q&A for attendees. Full event details and tickets (€30) can be found via https://wexfordpride.ie/pride-goes-to-prom-2024.
Enquiries can be forwarded to wexfordpride@gmail.com. Connect with them via social media @WexfordPride on Facebook and Instagram.
Wexford Weekly
This article was published by a member of the Wexford Weekly team.
