Hull’s First Pride Prom

Prom can be far from the positive experience that it should be for every young person, especially when the way you dress or who you take as a date is not considered the norm by some people.

So on Friday 19 July, the first Pride Prom in Hull took place at The Deep.

The Prom provided an event where young people who identify as LGBT+ could enjoy a night amongst their peers and feel safe to be who they are with whom they want, enabling them to build relationships and to create their own supportive circles of friends and peers.

This is important because regardless of changes in the law and the recognition that homophobia is a hate crime, young LGBT+ people can still be bullied and become isolated.

The Prom was created by ‘Step Out’, which is a partnership between CornerHouse and The Warren, alongside Lollipop and Trans Youth Hull, and has been partly funding by HeadStart Hull as part of the summer programme.

Step Out is a LGBT+ youth group, founded in 2016 by Cornerhouse and The Warren, provides a space for the young members of the LGBT+ community to call their own, providing weekly group meetings and events throughout the summer. The group decided a Prom was a perfect event, and after consulting with other groups in the area, it was clear there was a need. The Prom was submitted to HeadStart Hull’s panel of young people to be considered for funding in their Summer Programme.

The summer programme is a series of funded events put forward for commission to a group of Young Volunteers. They vote on the most relevant events and allocate funding for five major events to take place in the summer. The group voted and all agreed to fund the Prom as a major and important local event for young people.

This joint funding with Awards for All,  has enabled the Prom to be made FREE to all young people in years 11, 12 & 13 at a location identified by the young people and by bringing entertainment and special guests including members of the LGBT+ community.

A volunteer for the Step Out Group said, “This is really great! There was a great response and the prom will really enable young LGBT+ people to come together and have a great time.”

The Prom was also a large part of Hull’s Pride celebration, which saw many events taking place over the Pride weekend in the city.

Tish Lamb of Cornerhouse said, “Pride is extremely important as it provides a safe space for people to be who they are and celebrate their lives together. It’s also a recognition of the LGBT+ people who have fought for equal rights for the community for decades, and whilst we think  we have finally got close we are aware there has been an increase in homophobic abuse and attacks throughout the UK. It feels that we are taking backwards steps in relation to recognising the importance of having diversity within communities.  However, PRIDE Prom and Hull Pride will be events of fun, love and understanding.”