"Redemption prom is a second chance prom for people who wanted another chance to really experience prom the way that they wanted to," explained Carley York, an alumna and creator of Redemption Prom at Longwood. The prom, which is hosted by Unity Alliance every spring, is open to all Longwood students and the Hampden-Sydney College Unity Alliance. York said she was inspired to start it because she, as well as a lot of her friends, had bad prom experiences and wanted a "do-over".
The first year York held the prom, they tried to sell tickets, but she said that didn't turn out well. They now host the event for free, and take donations instead of tickets. Many agree the event has gotten better over the years. "In comparison to my freshman year. it's better. It's a huge success in my opinion," said Carlos Galicia, a member of the Hampden-Sydney Unity Alliance.
Many feel like the prom is a second chance, but others explain it can also just be an opportunity to come out and have some fun. "Everybody says it's a second chance for something horrible. I had a good first prom but this one is even better. It's a time to celebrate. It's no stress and it's fun," said Chantal Gamble, secretary of Unity Alliance.
Students could get their photo taken for a dollar, with those proceeds going to the "It Gets Better" project, which is meant as a movement to encourage those who identity with the LGBT community or any gay or lesbian teen facing prejudices. "The It Gets Better campaign is basically a message to everybody out there who is struggling with their identity . It's a message saying don't give up yet. High school is just a phase you go through. You have college and the rest of your life. It does get better," explained Gamble. She commented on the fact that there has been an increase in teen suicide in relation to this issue and she hopes the funds will help the cause.
York stressed that it's not "just a prom for the gays." She said that although Unity Alliance hosts the prom, it's meant as an excuse for students to get dressed up with their new friends and enjoy a night. "It's not a GLBTQ prom by any means. It's for anybody who feels like they didn't do something their first go around and just wants to do it completely different," said Galicia.
Vice-President of the Hampden-Sydney Unity Alliance, Jay Artis, also commented on how the event is free from judging.
Lauren Camacho, a member of the Longwood Unity Alliance, shared a similar view. "If you go to any sort of other dance that's put on by other organizations or something, it's kind of awkward to go in there and be like,"Well I'm with a person of the same sex" and everyone's kind of looking at me. Here it's different. It doesn't matter. Everyone's with who they want to be with. There's no stress and no pressure. It's just nice," she said.
To get more involved, visit http://longwoodorg.collegiatelink.net/orgnizations/unity-alliance/about.
