A Prom to Remember

Steph Taylor couldn't bring the date she wanted to her high school prom, because in the '80s, same-sex prom dates weren't just looked down on, they were forbidden.

Friday night, she got a chance to celebrate in the style she missed the first time, as Cabrillo College held its first "Don't Worry Be Happy, I'm Coming Out Prom," where partners of all genders and preferences were celebrated.

"It's a whole different experience, being able to go to prom with the person who you want to be with," said Taylor, development coordinator at The Diversity Center. 

The prom was a big step for Cabrillo College's Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered and Questioning students, especially in a time when discrimination and hate crimes are still prevalent across the country. The new campus club called Leading Out put on the dance to give students a place where they could feel accepted and safe.

The prom got its long name from two '80s pop songs (Bobby McFerrin's Don't Worry Be Happy and Diana Ross' I'm Coming Out), said Elizabeth Habara, founder and president, noting that the songs came from a time when taking a same-sex date to prom was difficult, if not impossible.

Habara said Leading Out is the first club of its kind on campus in almost 30 years. She and other members of the club said they made attempts to start the organization previously but could not enlist enough support.

Matt Martinez, a music student at Cabrillo and vice president of Leading Out, arrived in a black-striped vest and tie. He said "Elizabeth really needed help with the club, so I stepped in."

Volunteers blew up balloons, designed posters, decorated the hall and did the hard work to pull off an elegant evening. 

Both college students and community members attended the  affair to support the new club's message. Habara said, "We are a family and we support all those that are diverse—those that identify as any part of the alphabet."

Edward Olivier, the club's graphic designer, created the attractive posters for the event. Olivier has been in the U.S. for two years but plans to return to his home in Amsterdam in the near future. As Olivier discussed the disparity between acceptance levels in various states, he said he has enjoyed his experience here, "especially being part of Leading Out."

Treasurer Jose Ceja said he is "very excited about the club." Ceja attends Cabrillo and grew up in Santa Cruz. As he entered the dining hall, he asked if anyone knew how to tie a necktie. With a little help from his friend and a fresh Windsor around his neck, Ceja made his way to the dance floor.

Leading Out's 2010 Prom wasn't just about awkward slow dances and cheesy pictures. The event featured fire spinners, raffle prizes and a fashion show.  A copy of the evening's music was for sale by the DJ for sentimental partygoers.

Organizers said they hoped this would be the first of many proms of its kind to come, spreading their important message of acceptance.