Hayward Gay Prom - Wikiwand
The Hayward Gay Prom is an annual "anti-prom" for LGBTQ youth founded in 1995 in Hayward, California, United States.[1]
Quick Facts Date, Duration ...
| Date | 1995; 30 years ago |
|---|---|
| Duration | Annual |
| Location | Hayward, California, United States |
| Theme | LGBT youth dance |
| Organized by | Ken Athey |
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One of the oldest running gay proms in the United States, it was founded in 1995 by Ken Athey and Project Eden/Lambda Youth, a local LGBT youth mental health organization.[2] It was initially held at Centennial Hall and currently at Chabot College.[3]
Students from 14 to 20 years old may attend the event.[1] Local LGBTQ organizations provide support and conduct outreach, and parents are encouraged to attend and support their children.[1] In 2014, the director for Project Eden predicted more than 300 youth would attend,[3] stating:
[Gay prom] is needed because the young people need a place to go to where they feel safe and accepted.[4]
A documentary film on the prom, Now We Can Dance: The Story of the Hayward Gay Prom, was created and shown at the 2013 San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival.[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]
Since its inception the event has attracted violent protest and bomb threats, requiring police and community protection.[4] Attendees have been subject to harassment by teachers and other students due to their participation. After moving to Chabot College the number of protesters eventually declining to zero in 2014.[4]