On March 28, LGBTQ+ and ally middle and high school students from across the Lowcountry and beyond will gather for a night many say they never thought they’d experience: a prom where they can show up exactly as themselves.
In today’s political climate, where LGBTQ+ youth are increasingly at the center of national conversations around identity and rights, creating safe and affirming spaces is more important than ever. Queer Youth Prom serves as a powerful reminder that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Hosted by the local nonprofit We Are Family, Charleston Queer Youth Prom is a free event designed to give LGBTQ+ and allied middle and high school students a space to celebrate one of high school’s biggest milestones—on their own terms. Here, students can dance with who they want, wear what makes them feel most authentic, and enjoy prom without fear of judgment or exclusion. For some students, traditional school proms can feel complicated. Dress codes, social pressures, and concerns about discrimination can turn what should be a joyful experience into one that feels unsafe or out of reach. Charleston Queer Youth Prom was created to change that. Each year, the event draws hundreds of teens from across the region, all looking for a space where they can celebrate openly alongside friends and allies.
“Events like this remind LGBTQ+ youth that they are not alone,” said Jonatan Guerrero Ramirez, Program Director of We Are Family. “Seeing hundreds of young people laughing, dancing, and just being themselves is incredibly powerful. That’s why creating this space for our youth means so much.”
This year’s celebration will transport attendees back in time with a “Totally 80s” theme, featuring retro décor, nostalgic music, games, a talent show, and plenty of opportunities for bold self-expression. While the theme adds a playful twist, organizers say the heart of the event remains the same: creating a night where LGBTQ+ youth feel safe, affirmed, and celebrated.
And for adults wishing they could join the dance floor, there’s good news. On June 6, We Are Family will host the Charleston Queer Adult Prom, an 18+ celebration featuring a special guest from RuPaul’s Drag Race. The event serves as a fundraiser to ensure that Queer Youth Prom remains free for LGBTQ+ youth across the Lowcountry.
EVENT DETAILS
- Charleston Queer Youth Prom
- Theme: Totally 80s
- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Park Circle Community Building (4800 Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405)
- The event is free to attend and open to current middle and high school students.
- Registration and more information: www.chsqueerprom.com