Teenager to organise LGBT prom to create ‘safe place for gay teens’
A girl from Derby is organising a prom for LGBT teenagers to let them have fun without the fear of being bullied.
Brett Stone, 15, hopes to attract hundreds of teens to the event, which is set to take place in Spring 2018.
Stone’s wish is to have a prom night open to teens aged 13-18 where they can feel free to bring their same-sex partners and enjoy the night in a welcoming environment.
Stone, who identifies as bisexual, told PinkNews: “LGBT people should feel just as accepted as any other man or woman.
“This prom is to show the community that no matter how they identify themselves, they’re always welcome and supported.”
She came up with the idea with other friends, who are part of the Bramble Street support group Derbyshire LGBT+.
She said: “So many people who are part of the LGBT community want to go to prom but don’t feel safe going the way they identify.
“By creating our own LGBT prom, not only does it create a safe place where no one will be judged, it gives a sense of security and acceptance for those who want to express themselves as they are.”
The teenager set up an online page to raise funding for her initiative. The funding goal is £600 and after just 15 days she was able to raise half the sum.
“I don’t think words could describe how insanely happy I feel. Never did I think it would come as far as it has. I am speechless as to how well it’s doing,” she said.
She hopes to make the prom an annual event open to everyone between 13 and 18 who is part of the LGBT community.
Support group Derbyshire LGBT+ will supervise the event together with Stone’s family who have fully encouraged her.
Stone said: “When I came out, I knew my family would be supportive. They’re all there by my side no matter what.”
She added that in the school system more education is needed to encourage respect of LGBT people.
Stone said: “The UK is very open towards LGBT, it’s just some of the people who are being closed minded.
“More LGBT education is needed in the schooling system because a vast majority of students feel it is acceptable to tell people they’re wrong.”
New research in Ireland showed that one in three LGBT teenagers between 14 and 18 has attempted suicide within the past year due to bullying.
You can help the funding for the prom here.
