Students will have a second chance at love this Saturday, a chance not everyone gets.

This Saturday in the SUMC Grand Ballroom is Pride Alliance’s Second Chance Prom, the annual semi-formal event intended to recreate the atmosphere of a high school prom experience primarily for those who did not get a chance to take their preferred partner to a prom.
Running from 7 p.m. to midnight, the reception is open to both queer and allied people alike.

The night will be a unique kaleidoscope of love, friendship, community, dancing, drag performances, games and music, free of cost.

This year’s theme is steampunk and science fiction, and the event will be hosted by local drag-star Janee Starr.
“I’m really looking forward to doing a theme that is not done too often, as well as the amazing performances that are going to happen,” Pride Alliance co-director Chris Sogge said. “It will be nice to see hard work pay off.”

Second Chance Prom is just one of more than 70 events put on over the course of the year by the LGBTQ Affairs department. Each event is focused on raising awareness and fostering a friendly and accepting environment.

“I think it’s incredibly necessary to have a celebration like this,” Sogge said.

Each year this event acts as a lighthouse in the storm of social issues. For one night, the tides of change beat upon the shores of oppression and people’s worries disappear as the music starts.
“It’s important to have [open] doors for people to come through,” said Jennifer Hoefle-Olson, LGBTQ Affairs program director.

@DanielBurkart