A Night Out for Trevor :: Prom 2014

With its third annual Prom, the Trevor Project's NextGen again provides a night out for those hoping to swap their bad memories with good ones. Were you one of the many gays and lesbians, who were not permitted or welcome to bring a same-sex date to your prom? Or maybe you could have brought one but didn't have anyone to go with? Or you would just like to get your tux out of mothballs and toss it on so you can shake your tailfeather stag? With spring in full bloom, prom season is upon us and once again, the Trevor Project hopes to be your destination for this year's fundraising "spring fling."

Launched only last year by the Project's 20-30-year-old leadership group, Trevor NextGen, to raise funds that support the Project's many programs and services, "Prom: A Night Out for Trevor" has become one of the group's most popular events, providing members of the LGBT community with what may be for some much happier memories than those experienced by many in high school.

"In one spectacular evening, we seek to create a prom experience that many members of the LGBT community never had," says Trevor NextGen Co-chair Brendan Daw. "Discrimination, ridicule, and harassment have caused many LGBT teens and adults to connect this iconic school event with pain, loneliness and heartbreak. [Our] prom provides a second chance to enjoy it with love support and pride."

The theme for this year is "Your Prom, Your Way" and Daw stresses that, "We want every attendee to have their ideal prom experience," adding that the prom committee has been hard at work planning a prom to rival all others. "YouTube stars Jessica and Hunter have been booked as emcees, while the entertainment currently lined up includes "RuPaul's Drag Race" competitor Shangela Halleloo and popular singer/YouTuber Eli Lieb. Additionally, Daw promises a few more surprise announcements as the date draws closer. "As most non-profits will attest to, budget is always an issue," Daw says of the fundraiser dance. "We are creative to maximize the proceeds that we can raise for the Trevor Project and, thanks to great help from our sponsors and supporters, we always manage to create a fabulous night."

Tickets are priced at an affordable $55, keeping the event accessible to those from many income levels and is also open to straight allies of the gay community, although for those who attend and who planned the event, it will likely hit a little closer to home.

"For so many people in the LGBT community, their high school prom wasn't the happy event it is supposed to be. For me personally, I wasn't able to go to prom with the person I really wanted to in high school," Daw recalls."This year I am excited to share Trevor Prom with a wonderful guy who is really special to me.

"People love this event," Daw adds. "All through the year we are asked about the next one: Where it will be, who will be performing, how people can help. That's very exciting to us. Anytime you can get people excited about an event while doing something so meaningful is always special."

A Night Out for Trevor: Prom 2014 will be held Saturday, May 31 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Petersen Auto Museum, 6060 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. For tickets and more information go to thetrevorproject.org