Prom 2005

You may not believe it, but I went to a prom this year! Yes, I'm a little old to be going but actually I was a chaperone. My church, Epworth United Methodist, was the host site for the Young Gay Lesbian Alliance 2005 Prom. This was the first such all-inclusive prom for the teens and it was a huge success. There were approximately 100 kids there and they danced, laughed, and hung out for the night. Many remarked how they couldn't believe a church would let them have a gay prom, but that's just the kind of place Epworth is. A local newstation got wind of the event and set up some interviews and filmed quite a bit of footage. I am very proud that I got to be a part of making this night a success. There were several Epworth volunteers who helped out and we were all pleased.

Now, there was some grumbling (and that's putting it nicely) conveyed to myself and to another volunteer, Cindi. Some church members were fearful of the press, afraid that there might be some backlash from small minded bigots, and concern over the church's safety and the safety of the youth. The whole gritching got way out of control and at one point on Saturday it was suggested that I resign my leadership position(s) at church b/c of the harm I had inflicted (by helping host this prom). Of course, the people gritching wanted to remain anonymous---cowards. If a person is going to try and destroy my reptutation and my status at church at least have the chutzpah to say your name.

Anyhoo--Cindi and I dealt with it, made a statement at church this morning explaining the prom, the media, and the wonderful positive impact this event had on the youth. Many, many church members have been supportive and I'm over the whole thing. If someone has something to say then they can approach me and we'll talk it out. There's no pleasing some people.

I am so proud of the Young Gay Lesbian Alliance and honored that they asked me to be a part of their event.