Rio Grande Valley native Jesse Garcia sent over a link to this story from ValleyCentral.com, which reports that the Stonewall Democrats’ Rio Grande Valley chapter hosted the region’s first-ever prom for LGBT youth in McAllen on Saturday:
Stonewall Democrats Local President Eli Olivares told Action 4 News that young people from across the Valley participated in the event.
“We wanted to create a safe environment for them to enjoy their teenage life,” Olivares said about the event.
Publicity for the event was kept low and mainly in LGBT circles for security reasons and to prevent protests.
But Olivares said it went so well that organizers want to expand the event and continue it each year.
“There’s no need to be underground anymore,” Olivares said.
On the downside, there’s a poll at the end of the story which asks, “Do you think it’s necessary to have a separate prom for gay, lesbian and transgender youth here in the Rio Grande Valley?” Thus far, 58 percent have said no. We’re sure a few respondents answered “no” because they don’t think an LGBT prom should be necessary, in a perfect world. But the polls results also probably show why the prom is in fact very necessary: Because most people are uncomfortable with the idea.
Volunteered at this year’s Gayla Prom and it was great. I am glad that these kids were able to be themselves and be accepted in a safe environment. I also see the need for us to continue pushing the envelope so that these kids can feel comfortable at their own school prom. I say continue with a separate prom but encourage kids to fight the status quo. We’re not gonna get over the “oog” factor if we just try to remove it from their sight.
It would be nice to be able to take whom ever you choose to the prom for the school you plan to graduate from, however that is not an option, much like my school back in the 90’s where you had to bring an opposite sex date under the age of 21.
I’m actually glad that the Valley had something like this. The same thing happens every year with GAYLA, and I didn’t go this year, and with the way life is in the Valley, theres still things that we have to work on. I left Dallas to the Valley, and I would never be more happy in the Valley to get away from all the poltical mess that goes on there. The City Council and the School Board are just a mess, and the Gay Community is even worse there. Actually, UT Pan American, which is next to Edinburg with the new LGBT Alliance group that just formed was thinking about host a “Gay Prom” for next year, but I guess they beat us. Ohhh well, I didn’t even know about this ethier, but at least they all have fun. I’m still glad I’ve left this town in the 1st place, Dallas is like a African Country in a civil war over some political power.
Let me just add that Gay Clubs are poping up there
preppystudent,
I’m glad you left too. Your lengthy comment reveals a mindset that is off the mark and negative. You chose to be a negative part of the problems you complain about instead of part of a positive solution. An article about the positive event of a gay prom was seized by you as to spread your negativity.
Did I say that a Gay Prom in McAllen is wrong? U don’t even know the Valley People