By Presleigh Frost
Utah Tech University students gathered April 24, at the Alumni House for an enchanted forest-themed Pride Prom, where the LGBTQSO hosted a free event featuring music, dancing and themed decorations.
The house was decorated with green, gold and white accents, along with vines, flowers and centerpieces that followed the theme. Tables included cupcakes, cheesecake, charcuterie and soda stations. Buttons displaying pronouns were available for attendees, and students continued dancing throughout the evening. Some attendees spent time at the refreshment tables or talking in small groups, while others remained on the dance floor as music played.
Pride Prom was organized to create a space where students can connect and feel supported, said the secretary of LGBTQSO.
“[Pride Prom is about] showing that there is a big community,” said Belle Goebel, secretary for the LGBTQSO, and a junior elementary education major from Las Vegas. “When I first came to Utah, it was culture shock.”
Goebel said LGBTQSO wanted attendees to leave feeling seen and supported.
“[Pride Prom is] a good space for community and just kind of for people to see that we’re here, we’re proud,” Goebel said.
The event welcomed students, community members and allies, encouraging attendees to dress in formal attire and take part in an inclusive prom experience. LGBTQSO said the event was intended to be accessible to anyone interested in attending, regardless of experience or familiarity with similar events.
Music was provided by local DJ Scarlet Kathryn, who played early 2000s hits and current pop songs while taking requests from students throughout the night. Students were seen clapping, singing along and encouraging one another during dance circles.
Planning for the event began early in the semester, Goebel said, as securing a venue can sometimes be difficult. She said the event came together without pushback and that early planning helped ensure the organization could provide food, decorations and a structured program.
Dave Jones, a freshman digital film major from Las Vegas, said events like Pride Prom help address feelings of isolation.
“St. George can be lonely for queer [students],” Jones said. “I like to have that sense of community.”
Some students attended to experience a version of prom they missed and wanted to revisit.
Scarlett Vulcano, a junior music major from California’s Bay Area, said she returned after attending last year’s event.
“I loved to experience prom outside of high school,” Vulcano said. “I love the way it’s set up like a high school prom.”
For others, the event marked a first-time experience. Alice Sylvester, a sophomore digital film major from St. George, said this was the first prom she’s been to.
LGBTQSO said events like Pride Prom help create spaces where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and connecting with others on campus, particularly for those who may not have had access to similar experiences in the past.
For some, the event offered an experience they had not previously felt comfortable attending. “I didn’t get a [high school] prom experience for being queer,” Sylvester said.
