The weather is slowly beginning to change. Soon flowers will be poppong their pretty heads from the ground, trees will be filled with buds, and a multitude of colors will fill the air. These changes, mean spring is on the way and with spring comes prom. 

Prom- a night filled with glamor and joy. Often expressed as a stepping stone or rite of passage into adulthood. Prom is one of the most romantic-filled nights of our youth usually holding memories that last for a lifetime. While many students and young adults share these memories, even more never get to attend prom.  They choose not to go rather than be forced to pretend  to be someone they are not.   Prom is to share and build memories with those you love, friends, crushes, and class mates, not to be constantly reminded you do not fit in to what the administration considers 'normal'. 

Many schools do not allow same-sex couples to go to a dance together, let alone dance. It has become quite a topic for politics in communities. Some schools will ban the prom altogether instead of allowing one person to take a same-sex date; ruining the opportunity for everyone. In instances like these, it seems the school's priority is to creat a backlash from the students on the individual, rather than for the safety of the students. 

It is sad and often times I find myself shaking my head at the thought of people not being able to share one of the greatest moments of our youth with the person we love. Some schools, who have been pro-aggressive with GSA's (Gay-Straight Alliance), have allowed for teens who identify as GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) to attend the prom. When this happens, there is usually pressure from the community and parents who will not allow for their children to attend the prom. Our school administrators are in a constant battle under this pressure. 

I am always reminded by the quote, what is popular, is not always right, what is right is not always popular. Our schools and adminstrators have no business crushing the dreams and love of teens whether they call themselves Christians or not. Every human being has worth and deserves to be treated like others, not a second-class citizen. 

However, with the increasing amount of acceptance toward those who idenity as GLBTQ, second-chance proms are creeping up; allowing for students who missed their proms or can't take the people they want to the prom, to be able to choose to participate and share the memories just like those of their peers. While, they might not be able to have all of their friends present, they will have as much fun as their classmates and possibly even more. They would not have to worry about being gauked at when dancing closely or if they decide to steal a kiss from their date. 

If you would like to attend prom, or missed your prom, do a general search in your state or major city for "gay prom" and see the results. More opportunities are becoming available to give students the chance at equality. 

STITCH will be hosting our second annual prom, "Party at the Mardi" Mardis Gras 2012 on Saturday June 30, 2012 at the Elk's Lodge in Hobart  from 6:00 p.m.- midnight.  TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON!!