ALTERNATIVE PROM
Alternative Prom was a celebration for our friends who missed out on attending their end-of-year formals due to fear of discrimination and social exclusion.
Alternative Prom was about creating an event, an experience, and a community that feels safe, welcoming and celebratory for all of those young people (aged 15-26) who have felt excluded from the traditional school prom celebration: those who couldn’t take the person they loved; who couldn’t attend because of poor accessibility; who were discriminated against; bullied; those who don’t fit rigid beauty standards (and don’t ever want to); and for the people who just couldn’t afford to go. Alternative Prom was a joyful celebration for queer and marginalised youth in the Riverland community. RYT prides itself on being a safe space but this night was more than safe: it was a party and a victory lap for kids who have been doing it tough.
The night included:
- The Ally Awards presentation
- Corsages created in workshops with artist Calamity Tash
- A DJ, photographer, sparkly host, food, drinks, photobooths and a red-carpet entry
- Spaces to write about what queer joy means, where we’ll be in 10 years’ time, what makes a good ally and what makes you proud.
- Conga-line
- A place for our young people to dress how they wanted, dance how they wanted and have fun without the looming pressure of judgement
Friend of RYT, incredible artist and vibe-setter, Sage Wilde spent two whole days weaving the decorations of this very special event together and bringing their beautiful energy to the space, making sure the young people all felt included and safe during their time at RYT. We were also joined by RYT friends Shay and Yoz, who helped develop and then hosted the Ally Awards during the celebration.
In the lead up to Alternative Prom, we hosted corsage-making workshops with Calamity Tash. Instead of the traditional flowers, we used crafty bits and fun oddities op-shops to create corsages and accessories totally personalised to each participant.
Alternative Prom was a hit, everyone that attended commented on how connected and safe they felt in our space.
This event was made possible thanks to SA Power Networks for funding the Alternative Prom and to Skylight Mental Health for funding the Calamity Corsage workshops.
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