We Are Family’s Charleston Queer Proms are annual events comprised of a Queer Youth Prom and Queer Adult Prom.

Queer Youth Prom is a free event open to all LGBTQI+ and ally middle and high school students. Unfortunately, many of our youth don’t have a school prom experience that is LGBT-affirming; some schools expect students to adhere to cis-heteronormative standards in their wardrobe and expression at prom. We know that some LGBTQI+ youth do not fit these molds when it comes to self-expression. Additionally, some of our youth are bullied in school and have to be home-schooled, so they don’t get a prom experience. However, at Queer Youth Prom, youth are encouraged to be their authentic selves, and dance the night away! The only requirement is to have fun in an inclusive environment that brings the community together, and encourages a sense of belonging!

The Charleston Queer Prom IS that one magical night of the year for middle and high school students to dance, celebrate, and build community free from anti-LGBTQI+ discrimination.

Due to the success of Queer Youth Prom, We Are Family hosts the Queer Adult Prom, our signature fundraising event, open to people 18 years of age and older. The second chance prom allows adults to have the prom experience they always wanted—making it Charleston’s favorite sell out event!

Volunteer Opportunities

Sponsorship Opportunities

Prom Court Community Fundraising

Queer Prom FAQ’s

Queer Prom through the years

Fellow Ozians! Let us be glad let us be grateful! The great and powerful OZ has requested your presence at this year’s Charleston Queer Proms! Everyone from Munchkinland, to the Upper Uplands, to The Emerald City and beyond is invited to defy gravity as you tap your ruby slippers all night long in the OzDust Ballroom. Engage in stations curated by the students of Shiz University that will give you the full OZmopolitan experience. Indulge in delicious treats from the gardens of Quadling Country prepared from local Quadlings. You wanted to meet the wizard? Let us tell you that you'll come to the right place!

Beats, rhythms, libations, oh my! This event will be something worth melting for! You will get a feeling you won’t be in Kansas anymore! So, can you feel the brand new day? Say goodbye yellow brick road and join us somewhere over the rainbow!

Ease on down the road to prom!

YOUTH PROM
(MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS)

This event is designed for current middle and high school students only and with a valid ticket.

  • Date: Saturday, April 20th 2024

  • Time: 6-10pm

  • Location: Park Circle Community Building (4800 Park Cir, North Charleston, SC 29405)

ADULT PROM (18+)

This event is designed for guest 18 and older. This event is an official event of Park Circle Pride.

  • Date: Saturday, June 8th 2024

  • Time: 6-10pm

  • Location: Park Circle Community Building (4800 Park Cir, North Charleston, SC 29405)

Prom Court Community Fundraising

We invite our community to partner with us to fundraise to support our mission of providing life-affirming and life-saving programs for LGBTQ+ young people throughout South Carolina.

You’ll have opportunities for exposure to our robust We Are Family audience as well as opportunities for networking, volunteering, and community development. The Prom Court will be recognized at our 2024 Charleston Queer Adult Prom on Saturday, June 8th. To add a little competition– the top two fundraisers will be crowned the coveted Prom Royalty.

If your are interested in being part of this cohort, please apply no later than Monday, February 26th. The First Prom Court Introduction meeting on Feb 29, 2024 at 6pm.


Sponsorship & Partners

THESE MAGICAL EVENTS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT!

We provide opportunities for businesses and organizations with values that bring awareness, promote diversity, and uplift the LGBTQ+ community to partner with us to ensure BOTH prom events are a success!

Thank you to these sponsors for making our 2024 Queer Proms extra special!

 


Queer Prom through the years

Frequently Asked Questions About #CHSQueerProm

Don’t see your question on here? Please reach us by emailing info@waf.org or call (843)637-9379

Who can attend these event?

The Charleston Queer Prom is open to everyone under the rainbow including straight allies! However:

  • Youth Queer Prom is open to ONLY middle and high school student as well as homeschooled students. Registration is required to attend this event. For the saftety of some of the youth attending this event, parents and/or legal guardians are not allowed to enter the prom space.

  • Adult Queer Prom is open to folks 18 years old or older. Attendess for this event must also have a vaild ticket for entry and a vaild ID or document to show proof of age. No expectations.

WHY QUEER YOUTH PROM?

Many schools expect students to adhere to cis-heteronomative standards of dress and expression at prom. We know that some LGBTQI+ and gender expansive youth don’t fit these molds when it comes to self expression. Additionally, many students are bullied in school and have to be home-schooled, so they miss their prom, or maybe their prom experience through their school is not so LGBT-affirming. At the Charleston Queer Prom, you are welcomed to dance the night away and bring whomever you want (as long as they’re under 18 and in middle or highschool) and wear whatever you want! This is your night to enjoy prom to the fullest! The only requirement is to have fun!

I identify as a guy, do I have to wear a tux?

NOPE! This is your night! You can wear whatever you want! If you want to come in cosplay, jeans & T-shirt, or in a costume that is on theme, that is fine too!

I’m not out to my grown ups yet, is it safe to come?

YES! When you arrive at the venue, there will be NO signage or anything Queer/Rainbows/Pride around. Windows are covered so no one can look in. Also, there is usually an adult outside if you need us to talk to your grown ups! Some folx even come to prom in jeans and t-shirts and change into their prom outfit and change back out at the end of the night! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

I am shy and get social anxiety, is this event right for me?

YES! We offer a space space for EVERYONE! At the Youth Queer Prom, we will have a section where you can enjoy prom night at a quiet and relaxing way. Our staff and voultneers are also trained to deal with any anxiety situations that might come up.

Can my mom or dad come to Queer Youth Prom?

Sorry, no moms or dads allowed. This event is for middle and highschool youth. All adults allowed in this event have been trained to work with youth and have passed a background check. If your parents have any questions, feel free to reach out to us or speak to one of our staff members at the check in table. We will also have onsite security.

I have a special diet, will there be vegan or gluten free food at prom?

YES! We will offer something for everyone to enjoy.

I don’t want my picture taken. Will there be any photographers I need to worry about?

There will be photographers taking photos of this magical event, HOWEVER if you wish to not have your photo taken, you will be given a special item to let our staff and photographer know that you do not consent to have your photo taken.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Parking is limited. We highly recommend ride sharing or carpooling. We Are Family will not be providing transportation to these events.

Are there volunteer opportunities for these events?

Yes! Anyone who is volunteering at Queer Youth Prom MUST complete a background check AND attending one Queer Prom training. This year's Queer Youth Prom Volunteer training will be on Apirl 20th and 28th at 5:30pm. For addiontal questions about volunteering, please email Gabby at volunteercoordinator@waf.org

I’m a shy person. Will there be an ice breaker to make friends?

While we don’t want to ruin any surprises, at both Youth and Adult prom there will be different activity stations throughout the events that are designed for you to experience queer prom to the fullest!

This is my child’s first Queer Youth Prom, how can I know this event is safe?

The safety and well-being of all of our attendees is one of our main priorities. While we can not post all measures we take to make this event possible due to security reasons, rest assured your child is safe attending this event. When you are dropping off your child, our staff will be at the door answering any questions you might have. For any additional questions you may have prior to this event, please contact Jonatan, the event coordinator for this event at contact at (843) 637-9379 or email jonatanr@waf.org

If my child is attending Queer Youth Prom, can I stay as a parent and watch them?

This event is designed to let youth be themselves in a safe environment, therefore parents are NOT allowed inside the prom venue. You may stay near the venue or hangout at one of the nearby restaurants. However, we do invite you to attend our Queer Adult Prom in June (no kids allow at that event!)!

Who do I get in contact with for media inquiries about this event?

For media inquiries about this event, please contact Jonatan, the event coordinator for this event at contact at (843) 637-9379 or email jonatanr@waf.org

How much are tickets to Queer Prom?

Thanks to our fabulous sponsors, Queer Youth Prom is FREE, but you need to register to attend! However, Queer Adult Prom is a ticketed event where you must purchase a ticket to attend.

Is this event able people friendly?

At We Are friendly, we try to make our events as inclusive as possible. If you need any assistance or accommodations, please email info@waf.org.

My question was not listed here, who do I ask my question?

We are sorry your question did not show up here. Please click this link and email us your question and someone will be in contact with you!

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