CORNWALL, Ontario – LGBTQ+ youth in our community had the opportunity to celebrate Pride Prom last night at St. Lawrence College (SLC) between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
“We just wanted to have a prom that is just a safe space for kids that are too LGBTQ+, so if they didn’t feel comfortable going to their own prom, or even adults who missed out on their own prom because they didn’t feel safe,” said Elizabeth Quenville, President of Diversity Cornwall.
Quenville said that this year students were waiting outside of the venue before it started and members of the public has been asking about it leading up to the event. Last year’s event drew a crowd of around 50 attendees, and Quenville hopes to grow the event every year.
“We want to create a lot of safe spaces in Cornwall for youth to hang out and adults as well…to meet each other and celebrate,” she said.
The Pride Prom included a photo booth, rainbow coloured food and drinks, a DJ, safe sex supplies and Pride swag for sale.
“There are still some, I guess antiquated views on the LGBTQ+ community (in Cornwall) and we really want youth to know that it’s a safe community…to get together, meet one another and socialize,” said Quenville. “We don’t really have that in Cornwall…we want to create that space and combat homophobia and transphobia for these kids.”
Diversity Cornwall is holding a number of upcoming events, including a fundraising Gender Illusions Drag Show at La Maison on June 7. Mena Hardy and the Stellas will be fundraising for the organization through song at Remingtons on June 15, a Safe Swim for transgender individuals will be held on June 22 and the annual Pride Festival will take place from July 5 to 7, with the parade occurring on July 7.
To find out more about Diversity Cornwall, visit their Facebook page here.
