Queer Prom organised in Brighton for LGBT community

‘We finally had the prom we deserved'

Guests at Queer Prom (Kaleido Shoots)

A Queer Prom took place in Brighton last week so that members of the LGBT community who missed out on prom while at school could enjoy their own special night.

For people who don’t identify as heterosexual, prom can be quite an alienating experience.

That’s why Vicki Cook decided to create Queer Prom: to give those in the LGBT community another chance to have the best prom of their lives.

Vicki Cook with her partner Jules Haydon Guaitamacchi at Queer Prom (Kaleido Shoots)

“Queer Prom came about out of a desire to change the narrative around LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of prom,” Cook told The Independent.

“We spoke with members of our community about their experiences of prom and no one had a positive prom story.

“Either they didn’t go to their prom or they went but weren’t able to have the experience that they wanted to because of their gender or sexuality among other things.”

With that in mind, the concept behind Queer Prom was born.

Performer Tayris Mongardi (Kaleido Shoots)

Taking place at Komedia in Brighton on Friday, Queer Prom was a fun extravaganza for all who attended.

The event featured a variety of fantastic performers and proceeds from the night benefited two worthy causes: Allsorts Youth Project and MindOut.

“The event was magical,” says Cook. “Everyone was clearly dressed how they would have wanted to back at their school prom and they looked amazing.

“The whole night was a dream and for so many of us, we finally had the prom we deserved.”

Performer Chiyo (Kaleido Shoots)

Sebastian Causton, one of the guests at Queer Prom, spoke about the significance of attending such a spectacular night.

“Last time I went to prom, I felt horrendously awkward in a long silver dress, with a pink shawl, ridiculously massive heels I could barely walk in, straightened hair and makeup on my face,” he said.

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to go as me, in my true gender.

“Queer Prom was an absolute dream.”

Guests at Queer Prom (Kaleido Shoots)

Following the success of Queer Prom, Cook hopes to expand the event across the country.

“We are planning on making Queer Prom a bi-annual event in Brighton (winter and summer) and preparations are already underway for our next event!” Cook said.

“We will also be taking Queer Prom on the road, such as to London, Bristol and Manchester, so keep an eye out for us!”