Emporia State PRIDE hosted Pride Prom, their second event for Campus Pride Month on Saturday, April 13. The dance was held in Memorial Union’s KSTC Ballroom from 7-9 p.m. and was free to all attendees. The theme for the prom was Ancient Greece.
According to one of PRIDE’s co-presidents, Kaitlyn Seiwert, the executive committee was responsible for most of the event planning and logistics. However, they did receive input from at-large members for suggestions on the theme, food and music.
The ballroom was decked out in both Ancient Greece and pride themed decorations. Some decorations were brought in by members, like the crochet flower streamers created by co-president Fay Newell. Food was provided by Sodexo and an adjacent room was set up to take photos in.
“It’s a nice place,” said Seiwert, “especially for those who didn’t get the prom experience that they wanted.”
The goal of Pride Prom is to build a sense of community between the queer students in Emporia and to create a place where anyone can let loose and have fun without judgment from others.
“I remember being at prom in my high school, I couldn’t be myself,” said PRIDE secretary Kylie Zeiber. “I could not go in the middle of the dance floor and dance around like a maniac. This is a safe place to be yourself and dress how you want and no one’s gonna judge you for that.”
ESU PRIDE’s upcoming Campus Pride events include a 7 p.m. Drag Show at Casa Ramos on April 19, an End of the Year Cookout on April 25 in collaboration with the Black Student Union, and the Lavender Ceremony on April 30.
More information about these events can be found on Hornet TV or on the organization’s Instagram page, @emporiapride, or their Facebook page ESU PRIDE.