‘Anti Prom’ in a library sounds like an event I’d attend. I’d prefer it with snakes though.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from American films, it’s that the snakes are at prom.
What’s an anti prom? Do you get your virginity certified on that day or something?
Yes, and you get your official golden DARE card!
For real though, prom can be an exclusionary, torturous experience, especially for kids who aren’t cisgender, heterosexual, white, neurotypical, able-bodied, or financially comfortable. In very conservative areas, the rules around who can attend often include stipulations that dates must be opposite genders, and the dress code requires assigned-gender conformation. It’s not unusual for prom to be held at a country club or other establishment with an exclusionary, bigoted past.
Anti-Prom is an effort to make something fun for the kids that those proms leave behind.
A wholesome thing sounds like:
The theme is Fairy Tales, so feel free to wear a crown. Everyone’s prom king and queen here! Semi-formal/Formal is recommended, but not required. There will be a DJ, free snacks, and a mini Instax photo booth. This event is free and open to high school students up to age 18 only. If your parents insist on attending, they will be banished to the library lobby. No younger/older siblings or friends. The door closes at 8:30 p.m. Once you leave the building, you will not be permitted back in. The Teen Anti Prom is a safe space for you to dance (or not) the night away, no matter your sexuality, gender identity, beliefs, or any other reason.
Random little anecdote: A kid at my school got suspended for 2 weeks for calling the school librarian hot. This happened years ago and it was a big scandal lmao
Librarians are unironically the best people in any town.
My local ones hosted a masquerade ball, completely free of charge, poetry readings all night, drawing lessons, ballroom dancing, all catered with sandwiches, punch, and chips. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, they brought out glasses of brandy and wine for everyone at the end.
Literally better than any club I’ve been to and it was just one of the things they do regularly.
Ok but there will be snacks on May 22 or no?
One of my duties at work is IT Support for librarians in the State Penitentiaries. I have so much respect for librarians and their profession. They deserve more support from our governments. They are people making a difference.
I respect your job.
I’ve slowly been coming to terms with the fact that my most enduring legacy on the internet is going to be tweeting a screenshot of my local library’s Facebook page.
Celebrating librarians is a wonderful legacy!
Addendum: don’t snack on snakes. Snakes will not be provided as snacks on either date.
Is this “we don’t deserve X” a new internet fad? If so, I hate it.
It’s not new, but I do hate it.
