Akron's First GLBTQ Teen Prom

On May 17th, 2003 The Pride Center and Glamour Pride (Gay, Lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning Adolescents Modeling Our Pride) hosted Akron’s first GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) Teen Prom themed “Over the Rainbow”. About 50 youth and 30 volunteers were in attendance. The youth committee, Glamour Pride, which organized the event consisted of: Melissa McCollister, Youth Coordinator; Leah Davis, Special Events Coordinator; Paul Scwitzgebel, Outreach Coordinator; Ryan Shambaugh, Prom Committee Chairman. Third Element Entertainment, Leah Davis’s DJ/Karaoke business, provided the music, karaoke, and contests for the night. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Fairlawn, by way of Suzie Davis, donated the space for prom. The Pride Center, PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbian And Gays), Violet’s Cupboard, LGBTU (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Union) from the University of Akron, Unitarian Universalist Church, Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Diversity Alliance from Canton, and Planned Parenthood tabled the event with information and giveaways. Jim Chillemi, from Diversity Alliance, also supplied a gay jeopardy game for an educational giveaway during the prom. King/King, Queen/Queen, Most Originally Dressed male/female, and Best Dancer male/female were awarded for both adults and youth.

Leadership Award plaques were presented during the prom to 4 youths recognizing their bravery and outstanding leadership in the GLBTQ community. Ryan Shambaugh, 18-year-old Prom Committee Chairman whose motto is “If you build it they will come”, has been an active volunteer for The Pride Center regarding the Glamour Pride Youth Program and came up with the original idea for a prom. The Pride Center and Glamour Pride recognized Ryan for his extraordinary efforts, devoted volunteerism, and youth leadership. Brian Shannon III, and a sophomore female from McKinley High School, teen members of the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) in Canton, were recognized for speaking to the Canton City School Board, advocating for a GSA in their home schools. Katie Lab, a 17-year-old senior, started the GSA in Canton 2 years ago She advocated for this committee on behalf of GLBTQ concerns and was also recognized for her bravery and outstanding leadership. The Pride Center and Glamour Pride recognized these youth for their dedications and devotion in the GLBTQ community because they serve as models for all youth.

Youth Coordinator, Melissa McCollister and Special Events Coordinator, Leah Davis, students at The University of Akron in The School of Social Work used their activism and macro social work skills to add a sense of professionalism, competence, and integrity for the youth program and the prom event. They recognize that many GLBTQ youth experience being ostracized from their communities, families, and schools. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for all youth regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. They developed the vision of Glamour Pride, which is to help all youth develop a positive self-image, and enhance their well-being through social activities, educational opportunities, and community involvement. After the prom, one particular youth Brian Shannon III said,”It was one of the most awesome experiences I have ever had because I was able to be free and safe with who I am.”

Security, youth releases, and volunteer applications were required to attend the prom, making the event a safe environment for everyone. Pam Reid, M.S.S.A., and Dr. Priscilla Smith, two instructors at The University of Akron, volunteered at the event for added insight with youth concerns and community organizing.

“One Live Night”, a benefit concert held on April 8th 2003 at Lydia’s in Akron featured Walt Wise, The Jonathan Edward Project, and Leah Davis’s band, Fade to Grey, who donated their musical talent and raised $420 for the prom. Major contributors for the prom were Third Element Entertainment, which donated $750, PFLAG, which donated $200 and LGBTU, which donated $100. Another $200 was collected from the sale of youth tickets, which were $5 per person. Over 30 community organizations and/or businesses donated gift certificates, discounts, in-kind services or gift baskets totaling $2326.00 for the giveaways and services at the benefit and/or prom. This extensive number of community sponsors included: Applebee’s, Angel Falls Coffee Company, Café Boheme, Café Momus, College Hills Massotherapy, Diversity Alliance from Canton, Eat n’ Park, EJ Thomas Hall, Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Fazzoli’s, Firestone High School GSA, Gaelic Imports, GSA of Canton, The Lit Wik Candle Company, Lydia’s, Mama Rosa’s Pizza, Mirror Mirror Production’s, Mr. Fun’s, Olympic Awards, PFLAG, Plant Et Art of Canton, Planned Parenthood, Ravenscract, Third Element Entertainment, Two Amigo’s, Unitarian Universalist Church of Fairlawn, United National Security Inc., Weathervane, and Violet’s Cupboard.

Special Events Coordinator, Leah Davis said,”This proved to me and to the rest of our committee, that when a community comes together, an event such as a GLBTQ youth prom can happen.” The Pride Center and Glamour Pride sincerely thank all who were involved in this effort and especially thank all the youth who attended the event.