Pride Prom king and queen, Sham Payne and, Jayden Jamison.

Arlington’s Pride Prom, an alternative prom for LGBTQ+ teens and their friends, returns in person Friday, May 20, from 7 to 10 p.m., p.m. in the newly renovated event space at the Community Center, at 27 Maple St.

The event is an opportunity for teens to dance, celebrate, and come together no matter how they define themselves.  

This year, Pride Prom features a DJ and dancing, dress-up accessories, a quiet chill-out room, gender-neutral bathrooms, an all-queer adult staff from the library and partner organizations and a special performance from prom king and queen, Sham Payne and Jayden Jamison.

Alternative proms have been growing in popularity since the late 1990s. Robbins Library was the host of its first alternative prom in 2017, then known as Drag Prom.

In 2020 it was renamed Pride Prom to more accurately reflect the spirit of the event and welcome teens to come to the prom however they feel comfortable. The prom is open to teens from Arlington and beyond and strives to offer a welcoming space for queer and gender noncomforming teens, allies and friends. 

Teen Librarian Katy Kania says, “I’m so excited to bring back Pride Prom in person this year after two years of Zoom Prom.  Pride Prom is a wonderful place for teens to feel accepted just as they are, wherever they are in their journey. It’s a night of tons of fun and bonding.”

Community partners include Arlington’s Rainbow Commission, LexPride, the Belmont Public Library, Belmont LGBTQ  Alliance, Out MetroWest, and Gay for Good.  

Pride Prom welcomes any LGBTQ+ teens in grades six through 12 and their friends. Contact Katy Kania at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 781-316-3204 with questions.  

This news announcement was published Tuesday, May 10, 2022.