Students celebrate diversity, inclusion at Southwests first-ever second-chance prom
By Melissa N. Reyna, Instructor of English
The Nabors gym was transformed March 29 by LED lights, a rainbow balloon arch, and a live DJ. Stacks of Papa John’s pizza beckoned students, some of whom sat quietly on the bleachers while others danced. To the casual observer, this scene resembled any other prom, but it was quite special: this night marked the first Second-Chance Prom hosted at Southwest.
Second-Chance proms offer LGBTQ+ individuals the chance to bring their partners and express their gender authentically, all in an environment that is safer and more accepting than in high schools.
Dustin Williams, faculty sponsor of Southwest Pride, first pitched the idea at a group meeting. “Everyone’s face lit up,” he said. “They were so excited. I knew we had to make it happen.”
Mathematics faculty Nikki Jackson says events like second-chance proms “promote diversity and make students feel welcome no matter their background or preferences.”
Julia Rhea, Mental Health Counselor, added, “it helps kids who feel so alone to form bonds and have experiences outside the typical academic environment.”
Nearly 100 students and allies took advantage of the opportunity. They enjoyed performances by drag queen Bella DuBalle and drag king Will Ryder and cheered on a runway competition to determine prom king and prom queen.
At the same time, OutMemphis employees offered free HIV testing and the Outflix Film Festival committee members promoted upcoming showings.
When asked why they came to the prom, several students replied they wanted to have fun while another referred to it as a “redemption prom.” They stressed the importance of hosting LGBTQ-friendly events at Southwest, not only to provide support for students who have experienced bullying, but also to help the larger college community come together.
Williams thanked the Southwest Diversity Committee and Vice President of Student Affairs Jacqueline Faulkner for sponsoring the prom. He hopes it becomes an annual event. “Second-chance Prom was a resounding success,” Williams said. “I am so proud of everyone who attended and made the night their own.”
For more information about Southwest Pride and how to support LGBTQ+ students, contact Dustin Williams at dwilliams67@southwest.tn.edu.
In This Issue...
- Message from President Tracy D. Hall
- Inaugural Community Relations Ambassador Luncheon celebrates achievements, kicks off Career in a Year
- Southwest employees are the best choice
- EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH: Monica Crawford, Human Resources Assistant
- Welcome aboard, new team members
- MENTAL HEALTH CORNER: Getting to your finish line: A pep talk
- Title VI and Non-Discrimination training deadline is May 15
- Blue Path Day introduces high school seniors to MPD’s workforce pipeline
- CAREER SERVICES CORNER: Juan Bell continues internship at Le Bonheur
- FACULTY NEWS: Commencement instructions for May 11
- STUDENT NEWS: 33 inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda
- Phi Theta Kappa chapter earns 5-star honors again
- Student Leadership Institute empowers and motivates adult learners
- Hieroglyph expands reach online and in Memphis bookstores!
- STUDENT NEWS: Students spruce up campuses on Salqui Clean Up Day
- Students celebrate diversity, inclusion at Southwest’s first-ever second-chance prom
- Women-owned small businesses focus of 2019 SBDC Day
- Southwest to offer new communication degrees
- Summer Institute 2019 registration now open
- tnAchieves holds orientation for TN Promise mentors
- Southwest explores National Hardwood Lumber Association partnership
- SALUQI CORNER: Saluqi lives up to moniker in her journey to Southwest
- Mid-South Therapy Dogs and Friends to offer Stress Free Zone event April 22
- Southwest: In the News
- Police Services/Public Safety Department wins 2019 AACC Awards of Excellence!
- BBB CORNER: Don't spend your tax refund with a shady car dealer