Pride Prom
04/28/2026 / Percy Woods
Western’s Pride Prom was one of those nights where everything was a little louder
and
brighter than usual.
Walking in, students were immediately hit with the classic rainbow explosion from
the balloon
arch, to the decorated atrium ramp, to streamers, and flags, and a photo-op with a giant heart for prime pride.
Yet it didn’t feel clichè – rather, it was earned, like everyone there actually wanted
to be
a part of it.
Gay canon music set the tone with David Bowie’s rasp and Queen’s melodies. When
the classic Y2K party music came on—looking at you, Cha-Cha Slide—students couldn’t
help
but throw themselves into the rhythm.
Rachel Bawden, member of Be LeGiT, was quick to hook arms with other partygoers and
spread
the dance disease. In response, Vivian Campbell, Be LeGiT’s president, yelled out
for help with,
“But I’ll fumble!”
Out on the floor, students, friends, and family alike found community. At one point,
a few
unidentified teenagers convinced their moms to come out and dance. Yes, there was
embarrassment – but more importantly, there was commitment to the bit as they hit
the
dance floor fumbling.
These things are what made Pride Prom stand out. It wasn’t just a themed dance. It
was a space
where people could show up as themselves—a pair dressed like the queer Gomez and Morticia
Addams, young punks with Tripp pants—and quit overthinking it.
If anything, Pride Prom wasn’t just about celebrating identity in a big, obvious way.
It was about
the smaller moments: the laughter, the random balloon-tossing circles, and the unexpected
parent
cameos. The kind of stuff that sticks with you way longer than the decorations ever
will.
