Hayward Gay Prom facts for kids

The Hayward Gay Prom is a special dance held in Hayward, California. It's for young people under 20 who are part of the LGBTQ community. The main goal of this event is to give these young people a chance to experience a prom without worrying about being treated unfairly or bothered by others. It's all about making sure they feel comfortable and accepted. The gay prom started in 1995 and has been held every year since then.

A Look Back: The Prom's History

The Hayward Gay Prom is one of the oldest "gay proms" in the United States that has happened every year. It began in Hayward, California in 1995. A man named Ken Athey started the event. He worked in Hayward, helping young people. Ken, who is gay, wanted to create a safe place for teens. He wanted them to enjoy typical teen experiences, like a prom, without facing any problems.

Ken Athey's idea for a Gay Prom was supported by a group called Project Eden's Lambda Youth Project. This group started in 1992 to help young people who are Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, or Questioning (LGBTQ), as well as their families and friends. In 1995, the Lambda Youth Project asked the City of Hayward for money to hold the dance. A city meeting was held where both people who supported the idea and those who didn't showed up. The city council gave the Lambda Youth Project $7,000, but this money was not for the prom itself. So, the group found other ways to pay for the event. Over the years, the city's funding grew. In 2014, Lambda received $30,000 from the city.

The prom was first held at Centennial Hall. More recently, it has moved to Chabot College. Young people aged 20 and under attend the Hayward Gay Prom. They come from all over California and even nearby states, traveling from places like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Santa Rosa. Many LGBTQ groups also attend to share information and lead fun activities. Everyone is welcome, and parents are encouraged to come or help out to support their children. In 2014, the director for Project Eden thought that over 300 young people would attend the prom that year.

A movie about the prom, called Now We Can Dance: The Story of the Hayward Gay Prom, was made. It was shown at the 2013 San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival.

Why This Prom Matters: Its Purpose

The Hayward Gay Prom has several important goals. Its main purpose is to offer a safe place where LGBTQ young people can truly be themselves. They can celebrate with others who understand and support them. This prom gives them the chance to enjoy high school activities, like a prom, in a comfortable setting. They can take prom pictures and dance with their friends or partners without worrying about being judged or bothered.

The prom helps young people explore their feelings and connect with others. It also allows them to build friendships and feel better about themselves. Plus, the event encourages LGBTQ youth to take part in positive activities. They can create events together that celebrate how everyone is different and special. The Hayward Gay Prom was started to support LGBTQ young people and give them hope and a feeling of being accepted. As the director for Project Eden said, "It's a needed event because the young people need a place to go to where they feel safe and accepted."

How Things Have Changed Over Time

The main goals and meaning of the Hayward Gay Prom have stayed the same over the years. However, how the public views the event has changed. When the prom first started, there were many supporters, but also many people who protested against it. These protesters sometimes held signs and wore gloves and masks. This was a common way to protest against gay events in the 1990s. Local police and older LGBTQ community members had to stand between the protesters and the young people attending the prom. Attendees sometimes had to run inside the event. Some kids even chose not to go to the prom to avoid the harassment they faced at school.

When the prom's location changed, the number of protesters went down. For the 20th annual Hayward Gay Prom, there were no protesters at all! This shows that overall acceptance and support for the event and the community have grown and continue to grow.

What Attendees Say

Young people who have attended the Hayward Gay Prom often share how much it means to them.

• Kalee Kennedy, who was 19 and the prom queen one year, said: "I believe that gay prom is a wonderful opportunity for those who were previously unable to attend their own prom due to unfair treatment or fear. Many LGBTQ youth need events like this to remind them that they are not alone and that they will not always be judged."
• Skylar Gordon, 17, shared: "It means a lot to have a prom—but not only to have a prom but have one that you know is going to be accepting. I really felt like I belonged at gay prom. I've never really fit in at any sort of school-related dance. Here, I could be myself. I could be with my boyfriend and win cutest couple. That would never happen at a school-related prom, or any dance of any kind."
• Reyna Romero, 17, said: "I attended gay prom with my girlfriend and some close friends. I really think gay prom was a blast and I will always remember and cherish that night. Gay prom is not only important because it celebrates these individuals, but because it was great to go to a prom where my girlfriend and I weren't treated unfairly. My home school like many others doesn't allow girls to wear tuxes and guys to wear dresses. My girlfriend and I felt really important and loved the whole time we were there."