Ringing in the end of a Pride-filled summer, KZEL was honoured to sponsor Qmunity’s 2022 Queer Prom event for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Qmunity is a Vancouver-based non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. From individual counselling and peer-support groups, to educational and leadership empowerment programs, Qmunity provides a safe landing space for community members and allies. Special events are one aspect of Qmunity’s outreach and their annual Queer Prom is one of a long list of unique engagements. 

Photographed by Ray McEachern

Conjuring up images of a Midsummer Night’s Dream, this year’s prom theme was “Woodland Fairies.” Held at Performance Works on Granville Island, the space was transformed into a dreamy woodland setting, filled with music, dancing, art and some truly fabulous performances by local drag artists. A team of MAC cosmetics artists set up a station for any attendees wanting some added glamour or drama to their looks. The photo booth was in heavy rotation throughout the evening, capturing pocket-sized mementos of the fun. 

Photographed by Ray McEachern

One group of queer youth told organizers it was their first experience seeing a drag performance and it did not disappoint! Seeing the confidence of the performers and connecting with them offstage made a huge impact on the prom-goers. In a society still haunted by the harmful rhetoric of staying “in the closet” or policies supporting “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the drag culture embraces individuality and self-love on centre stage. Seeing that example provided a powerful lift of positivity for the entire audience. The joy felt as tangible as the queens’ sequinned costumes. 

Photographed by Ray McEachern

The night captured the essence of what Qmunity stands for: that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth need and deserve spaces of love and acceptance. Empowerment and resilience-building is a big part of Qmunity’s mission, but those pieces must always be accompanied by moments of joy and levity. This prom provided just that for a few hours, where the sometimes harsh attitudes of the outside world were kept away. Instead, the revelry played out against the backdrop of a banner with a simple and powerful message: “You Belong Here.” 

KZEL remains committed to supporting Qmunity and other organizations that provide vital services to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in a variety of capacities. We feel strongly about carrying that advocacy through to the community we are privileged to practice within.

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