Local nonprofit organization Rainbow Spaces will host its fifth annual inclusive prom for LGBTQ+ youth on Saturday, May 3. The event, themed “The Vampire Masquerade,” offers a welcoming space for individuals ages 13 to 19, celebrating prom in an environment centered on safety, affirmation, kindness and joy.
The event, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m., is free to attend with RSVP. Location details will be provided to registered guests.
Rainbow Spaces has been organizing events since 2021 to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth in the South and East regions of San Diego County. What started as a small event grew into an annual tradition, driven by a desire to fill a gap in the community.
The first inklings of the inclusive prom came from an ice-skating event in Coronado, where Rainbow Spaces organizers asked the youth about the kinds of events they felt uncomfortable at and would like to see done differently.
One common answer: prom. After facing a few rejections, the organization succeeded in bringing the idea to life, and the first inclusive prom was a major success.
“The first prom was a big turnout, and that told us that there were a lot of kids who really wanted to see themselves in these types of spaces and really wanted a prom where they could be open and happy,” said Nadia Kean-Ayub, executive director of Rainbow Spaces. “That turned into an annual event.”
Now, the prom is entirely student-led. A group of six youth committee members is responsible for planning every detail, from picking the colors and theme to choosing the entertainment, music and food. This year, attendees can expect a beautifully decorated, elegant space created by the youth.
The guest list for the event has already surpassed 140 attendees, a testament to the growing need for inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. In addition to the planned festivities, Rainbow Spaces is partnering with an organization that will provide dresses, suits, hairdressers and makeup artists on site for those in need.
“We know that often times, especially in this economy right now, what you wear can be costly,” said Kean-Ayub. “The organization we partner with will bring out everything for the youth so if the youth don’t have the ability or have something like that at home, they can come and select something here.”
Ace, a 16-year-old junior in high school who asked to be identified by his first name only as it is his preferred name, is going into his second year of helping plan the prom. He joined Rainbow Spaces to become more involved in his community and to find a space where he could be himself. Ace, who also came up with the theme for this year’s prom, “The Vampire Masquerade,” said the event gives queer individuals a unique space to explore their identities.
“I think our prom gives people the space to experiment with themselves, especially with the closet we have where they’ll be providing clothes and makeup,” Ace said. “Rainbow Spaces has a lot of goals in mind, but I think the main general idea is to give queer individuals the space where they can be themselves and not be scared at these events, where they have fun and not have to hide away.”
A 15-year-old freshman, who requested anonymity for privacy reasons, is a part of the planning committee and shared that the prom provides a sense of community for young people. The teen, who has been involved with Rainbow Spaces for about a year and a half, is excited to be attending their second inclusive prom and is hopeful that others will feel the same sense of belonging.
“I hope people will see that they are not alone,” they said. “Especially in this time now where we have many politics going on and people feel very scared of their future and how it’ll affect them. I just want to wish that people will find strength and positivity with us in this dark time.”
Kean-Ayub shared an impactful story from a previous prom that highlighted just how essential inclusive spaces are. On the day of the event, a community member, informed her that a queer couple had been rejected entrance at their high school prom. Although Rainbow Spaces was nearly at full capacity, they welcomed the couple with open arms.
“We watched them from the sidelines, and they had such an amazing time,” she said. “I think after all the years that we’ve put in effort, after all the stress that goes into it, it was all worth it to see that it does impact youth.”
This year’s prom will offer more than just a night of celebration. It’s a space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves, feel affirmed and connect with others. As Ace puts it: “It’s a chance to show who we really are.”
For more information about the prom or upcoming events, visit www.rainbowspaces.org.
