'Gender Euphoria:' Queer Prom Returns To West Hollywood For Pride Month

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — Stunning dresses, glimmering accessories and coupling up – formal school dances can be some of the best memories of growing up. But for many queer people, thinking back to those rites of passage can sting.

“It was such a horrific experience. My mom was very excited, took me shopping. I got this beautiful gown. I remember trying on heels,” said NiK Kacy, recalling a time before they had come out as trans masculine and nonbinary. “I was just like this robot going through the motions because that’s what was expected.”

Later on, that early formal-dance experience led Kacy to skip one of the biggest moments of a young person’s life. “I never got to go to prom as me,” they told Patch.

But that all changed last year, when Kacy staged Queer Prom. A 21+ affair, Queer Prom offered an opportunity for members of the Southland’s LGBTQ+ community to have the kind of comfortable and jubilant prom experience they may have missed out on.

And on June 1, it will return for a second year as a kickoff to Pride Month. NiK Kacy Presents Queer Prom - Behind the Velvet Rope will take place at Sunset at Edition in West Hollywood, serving as a benefit for Equality Fashion Week.

While last year’s Queer Prom offered thematic elements of the literal sort – complete with a talent show, a principal, gym teachers and student council candidates – Behind The Velvet Rope will mature the prom experience with a Studio 54 theme. Fitting, because Sunset at Edition’s creative director is Ian Schrager, who co-founded the actual Studio 54.

Like Studio 54, Queer Prom will have plenty of extravagance and debauchery. But just like the legendary disco nightclub, Kacy’s event offers something much deeper amid all the glitter – freedom from stifling social expectations, a balm for the pain of a global pandemic/epidemic and a space free of discrimination and hate – a chance to heal.

“At queer prom, the expectation is for everyone to be themselves and feel gender euphoria and celebrate our unity,” Kacy said.

It's a mission that's especially important now, when trans people are being targeted by discriminatory laws and hate speech against the queer community has become more commonplace, Kacy said.

The soiree will be hosted by influencer Amber's Closet; trans model and musician Laith Ashley; and trans model, comedian and actress Arisce Wanzer.

Speakers include Brian Michael Smith and Mayor Sepi Shyne.

Performances include ones from drag star Landon Cider; Istanbul-based LGBTQ+ activist and singer Iliana Georgi; DJs Daisy O’ Dell and Mike Taylor and more.

For more information about Equality Fashion Week and to buy tickets to Queer Prom, visit the Equality Fashion Week website.