For lots of young people, prom is one of the most important events of their high school career. But historically, prom has been an uncomfortable and exclusionary event for many queer people. Even this year, gay couples have been banned from prom or punished for trying to attend and trans and non binary folks struggle with what to wear.
But queer people are also visibly attending proms and challenging typical gender norms. Trans folks are winning prom queen, and prom kings are wearing dresses.
Here’s some of our favorite prom photos from LGBTQ+ teens around the country this season.
This couple tried to subvert the heteronormativity of prom’s traditional king and queen with a Change.org petition:
Sameer went to prom in a gown and makeup because “I hate wearing guys’ formal wear. It was so fun to creatively express my gender through my clothes, shoes, nails, jewelry, and makeup, and I hope I made people think about how useless traditional gender roles are!”
Queer or gay proms are another option for LGBTQ+ youth wanting to party and can be a safe haven for those who are trans or gender nonconforming.
The Berkeley punk venue 924 Gilman held their 2nd annual “Pride Prom.” The event featured many queer and trans performers and sought to be accessible and substance-free. Activist Eli Erlick posted about it on her Instagram as a second chance to enjoy the prom many in the queer community had never had.
If you have any doubts about your rights for prom, check out the ACLU’s guide to prom.