NOVA Pride Prom 2024

**This event is not organized by Equality Loudoun** Open to ALL high school students throughout the entire DMV, regardless of LGBTQ+ identity, from rising 9th graders through graduating seniors.

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NOVA Pride Prom is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ youth to attend Prom with PRIDE, dress however they are most comfortable, and dance - without fear - with whomever they choose! Back after a hiatus due to the pandemic emergency order, in 2019 the last NOVA Pride Prom proudly hosted over 400 youth from over 40 high schools across the entire DMV!

All rising 9th graders through graduating seniors (a plus one may include a recent graduate up to age 19) from any high school (or equivalent) anywhere in the DMV are welcome to dance the night away with pride!

This year’s Pride Prom includes:

• Dancing and Live Music with DJ TANNR.
• Refreshments and snacks, provided by Clare & Don’s Beach Shack. Due to the date of the event, all refreshments served will be Kosher and acceptable for Passover.
• Youth Org Booths
• Photo booth
• A game room with pool (billiards), air hockey, and shuffleboard!
• And more!

NOVA Pride Prom's mission is to provide the region's LGBTQ+ youth (and their friends!) with a magical experience, that rivals those of traditional school-sponsored proms, while ensuring a welcoming and safe atmosphere. We find it unacceptable that any youth feel excluded from the prom experience without compromising their true selves.

NOVA Pride Prom is unique, in that it is both celebratory and educational. In addition to a dance, we also ensure that a quieter space is available for students to take a break, or connect with LGBTQ-affirming organizations that support to youth in Northern Virginia and beyond.

For many youth, NOVA Pride Prom is their first large social event, which can be an overwhelming experience - especially for those with anxiety or PTSD. In order to ensure a wonderful and safe night for all, we have mental health professionals on-location as chaperones and event organizers, as well as uniformed police providing security.

NOVA Pride Prom is a non-profit event, and all money is raised through student fundraisers, ticket sales, and support from NOVA Pride and other sponsors. We welcome and depend on donations to make this event happen. This event benefits LGBTQ+ youth by providing a safe, affirming, and validating experience - showing that they are supported and valued by the Northern Virginia community at a time when many feel lost and scared. The heartwarming letters sent from students after attending describe the event as "life-changing," "life-saving," and "the best night of their lives" - and sometimes describe the heart-wrenching contrast between their experience at the event with their experience in their day-to-day lives.

Our volunteer chaperones have remarked that some students "enter the dance as scared strangers, and leave as confident friends." We look forward to providing another night of friendship, acceptance, and fun for NOVA's youth!