About
The Joliet Pride Network Youth Queer Prom is a major annual event dedicated to providing a safe, affirming, and celebratory prom experience for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies in the Joliet area.
The event is a vital part of the Joliet Pride Network’s mission to foster community and create affirming spaces for young people.
Event Purpose and Atmosphere
Traditional high school proms can often be a source of anxiety or exclusion for LGBTQ+ students who may fear harassment or being unable to attend with their preferred date or in the attire that makes them feel most authentic. The Youth Queer Prom solves this by offering an unforgettable night where attendees can celebrate unapologetically and be their full selves in a safe, inclusive space.
Key Details
Host: Joliet Pride Network, an organization committed to promoting inclusion, dignity, and acceptance for the local LGBTQ+ community.
Attendees: The event is typically open to LGBTQ+ youth and their allies within a specific age range, often 12-20 years old.
Venue: It is frequently held at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, an iconic location that can offer unique spaces like a rooftop and access to galleries for quieter moments.
Activities: The prom features all the excitement of a regular prom, including:
- Music and a dance floor with a DJ.
- Snacks and refreshments.
- Fun extras like photo booths (sometimes 360 photobooths) and other entertainment (such as a tarot reader or drag performers in some years).
Dress Code: Attendees are encouraged to dress in what makes them feel best, emphasizing self-expression and authenticity—whether that is formalwear or something more casual and unique to the theme.