 DonateRobbins Library proudly celebrates an alternative prom for teens in Arlington each year
Arlington’s Pride Prom, an alternative prom for LGBTQ+ teens and their friends, will return on May 19th, 2023 from 6PM to 9PM in the newly renovated event space at the Arlington Community Center, located at 27 Maple Street. The Prom is an opportunity for teens to dance, celebrate, and come together no matter how they define themselves. This year’s event will feature food, Pride-themed crafts, a dance floor and DJ, and a live drag performance. This is a drop in event – no sign ups or prior registration is required, though attendance will be capped to the fire code capacity of the venue.
Teens who want even more Pride Prom fun can come to the Robbins Library Community Room at 2PM on Wednesday, May 17 for a Drag Performance Workshop, generously sponsored by the Rainbow Commission. May 17 is a half day for Arlington Public School Students, so students will be free to join this joyful event!
Alternative proms have been growing in popularity since the late 1990s. Robbins Library first hosted an alternative prom in 2017, then known as Drag Prom. In 2020 it was renamed Pride Prom to more accurately reflect the spirit of the event and welcome teens to come to the prom however they feel comfortable. The prom is open to teens from Arlington and beyond and strives to offer a welcoming space for queer and gender non-conforming teens, allies and friends.
The Robbins Library would like to thank Arlington’s Rainbow Commission, the Arlington Council on Aging, the Arlington Youth Counseling Center, the Belmont Public Library, Cary Memorial Library in Lexington, JVS Boston and Out MetroWest for their material support of this year’s event. Pride Prom is made possible by generous support from the Arlington Libraries Foundation.
Pride Prom welcomes any LGBTQ+ teens in grades 6-12 and their friends. Contact arlington@minlib.net with subject line PRIDE PROM with questions.
Media Coverage
We Just Want To Have Fun, Too’: At Drag Prom, LGBTQ+ Kids Don’t Have To Explain Themselves
Massachusetts ‘Drag Prom’ Offers Accepting Space