For many young people within the LGBTQ+ community, attending prom can cause anxiety and heartache, completely outshining the experience of what over-time has become an important milestone for many young people.
On Sunday 27th June Blackburn Youth Zone (BYZ) organised a prom celebration and invited young people to their lounge based in Darwen. Dressing the venue in pride colours, the Youth Zone wanted to create a welcoming, relatable space for young people where they truly felt that they can be themselves.
30 local young people enjoyed a night to remember, sipping mocktails on arrival, a DJ for the night, a photo-booth to capture the moment, complete with lots of pizza and sweet treats. With a dress code of ‘Dress in what makes you PROUD’ allowing young people the opportunity to fully embrace and be who they are within a safe environment.
“I’ve always been worried about attending prom at school because it’s difficult to be who I really am. When I heard Blackburn Youth Zone was planning a LGBTQ+ prom I was so happy, this was my chance to fully experience a prom night as ‘me’ and not what people want me to be. I loved every minute of the night from karaoke, to the photo-booth to leaving with a pride inspired donut at the end of the night- thanks BYZ! I’m definitely going to try their new support group this week’ Young person who attended the prom.
The night also saw the re-launch of the charity’s new LGBTQ+ support group which will be based at Blackburn Youth Zone. The support group is an opportunity for young people to gain advice and support within a safe space. The support group is free of charge and a chance for young people to share similar experiences, form new friendships whilst making new memories.
“The prom night was a great opportunity for us to remind young people to be proud of who they are and to remember there is a whole community of young people who are just like them. Blackburn Youth Zone will always provide a safe and inclusive space to support young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning their identity. We’re looking forward to meeting lots of new young people at our next support group.” Leon Crosby Head of Youth & Operations at Blackburn Youth Zone.
For more information about the support Blackburn Youth Zone provides young people within the LGBTQ+ community please call 01254 292000 or email enquiries@blackburnyz.org
