Queer prom held at Killington Grand Hotel a big success!

After months of planning, on Saturday, May 13th, Woodstock Union High School/Middle School’s Queer Straight Alliance club (led by Annie Luke and Lauren Sullivan Justice) successfully hosted a Queer Prom for schools all across VT. Held in the Oscar Wilde Ballroom at the Killington Grand Hotel, the event was a smash hit, drawing students from QSA/GSA clubs from 16 different high schools and middle schools across VT and the Upper Valley.

Throughout the evening, DJ cRAIG mITCHELL, a renowned VT activist and performer within the queer community, played queer anthems that got everyone on their feet. Drag performer Emoji Nightmare wowwed the crowd with her gorgeous outfits and multiple performances, including her lip synced rendition of “Rainbow Land” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, and a live performance of her own original song “. There was also a photobooth provided by B Farnum Photography; plus, local photographer JuanCarlos Gonzalez photographed the event, free of charge.

The evening was notable for an exultant, celebratory feeling, as students mingled, danced, and sang together. There was a profound feeling of belonging and acceptance, and students were able to be fully themselves in a safe and supportive space. Even the adult chaperones were moved, many wishing that they themselves had had such an event when they were in high school and middle school. During a time when LGBTQ issues are at the forefront of the national conversation, and when mental health among LGBTQ youth is of great concern, this event felt like a beautiful, heartwarming reprieve. Through the event, students were able to access resources to support their mental and physical health via a custom Community Support Brochure, and they were able to forge connections with supportive students and adults from across the state. Donning Pride flags, light-up dresses, sparkles, tinsel, and rainbow accessories, the 170 students (and 50+ adult chaperones) came together for an amazing event that they will never forget.

This event was made possible by the generosity of a grant from UVCHEP, plus monetary donations from Rich Kearney of Upper Valley Driving Academy and Gabriella Netsch of Yankee Driving School, and donations of time and services from JuanCarlos Photography. Many thanks, also, to Erin Hanrahan, Will Flynn, and the students of the Woodstock Union MIddle School for their contributions to this event. Thanks, too, to Amelia Schlossberg from PP-NNE for the free pronoun pins and sunglasses, and to all of our amazing chaperones.

To find out more about our event, visit our event website.