For as long as high school exists, there will be one experience that is unforgettable for all who attend: prom. There are good times and bad times that vary for each student present and unfortunately most of the bad times happen for the kids who only choose to be themselves.
    Some students may not feel at ease going to a traditional prom because of harassment and prejudice exhibited toward them, where as Safe Prom, for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, sponsored by GLSEN (gay, lesbian and straight education network), is a comfortable alternative to the traditional prom.
    In regard to Safe Prom, one may think of same sex couples, men dressed in drag, or something else out of the ordinary from what is generally accepted as prom style, but that doesn’t mean straight couples cannot attend. As a matter of fact, anybody can go with whomever they wish, regardless of sexual preference or gender identity. Gender identity means who or what they choose to be known as (i.e. gay, lesbian, transgender or even straight.) A male will not be barred from purchasing tickets to a Safe Prom if he wishes to dress as a female for the event or vise versa for a woman. Safe prom is really about being able to express one’s inner self at this essential high school affair and not be ridiculed because of it. Prom is an important event for all high school students. It should be fun and exciting- not discriminating and uncomfortable.
    The Lambda Youth Project and GLSEN, two of the main supporters, work hard to end LGBT discrimination. Known nationally, GLSEN currently has chapters in major cities such as Pittsburgh, LA and New York. The Pittsburgh chapter promotes activities in the city schools such as The Day of Silence which we be held this year on April 25, 2008. The day was founded in 1996 in order to observe the silent injustice LGBT and ally (supporter) students face every day. It is now the largest student-led action intended for creating safer schools for all.
    Not only is Safe Prom going on throughout America, but internationally as well. There is a UK committee that consists of five teenagers who are spreading the word and ideas of a safe prom to what they refer to as the “big gay scenes like Manchester, Brighton, and Cardiff.” The students took a trip to view the safe prom in a city that has been referred to as the gay capital of the world, San Francisco, California. There they viewed exuberat attitudes and vivacious dancing! We [the U.S.A] were said to “break all stereotypes that people would have about an All-American gay prom,” according to the UK committee.