Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and other students  have the opportunity to relive prom experiences in an open atmosphere without judgement during the Gay Gatsby Prom.
StandOUT, an organization, which caters to LGBTQ students and allies is hosting a dance to spread awarenes of the demographic.
Many students feel as if they are unable to express who they are because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Members of StandOUT began planning the celebration to ease self expression of the LGBTQ community last spring. The prom will provide a place for both LGBTQ and heterosexual couples to enjoy a judgment-free environment with their partner.
“The whole point of this dance is to have a place for all couples and types of people to feel secure and safe,” said Austin Cradic, StandOUT president. “Most importantly, they will be happy and comfortable knowing that there’s an organization out there seeking to have an inclusive event for all Southeastern students.”
Many colleges across the country host similar events to support equality.  The Gay Gatsby has generated excitement among faculty and students.
“[LGBTQ proms are held] in response to discriminatory heteronormative practices at some high schools that prevent lesbian, gay and bisexual students from bringing same-sex dates to their proms and prevent transgender students from wearing non-conforming attire to their proms (for instance ‘girls’ have to wear a gown and ‘boys’ have to wear a tux),” said Marc Settembrino, faculty advisor for StandOUT. “Having an LGBTQ friendly prom at Southeastern is important because for two reasons. First, it reaffirms the university’s commitment to creating a campus that is inclusive of all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Secondly, StandOUT’s prom will provide a space for LGBTQ students and their allies to socialize and dance without the fear of discrimination or persecution from the general public.”
Members hope the prom will help the LGBTQ community show students who they are.
“We’re here to be active in the Hammond community, and the queer community has struggles of its own, but we are people too who just want to love and enjoy life,” said Cradic.
The prom will be held on April 3 in the Student Union Ballroom from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will cost $10 to enter. All couples are welcome to attend, including straight allies.
For more information contact     a representative of the organization  at [email protected].