On Thursday, May 8, the fifth floor of the Sie Complex was transformed into “The Emerald City” to celebrate the Queer Student Alliance’s (QSA) third annual Pride Prom.
QSA is an infinity group that aims to create an inclusive space for students and facilitate queer student well-being. To do so, the group hosts multiple social and educational events and collaborates with other organizations on campus.
Pride Prom is one of the biggest events of the year, taking place every spring quarter. This year, QSA collaborated with the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and the Cultural Center to put on the event.
Prom is an important way for queer students to have the celebration they deserve.
“Prom is not often promoted as welcoming for queer people, and so it is important to create a space that is welcoming for everyone,” said Hallie Crawford, third-year QSA secretary and future QSA president.
Previously, the Pride Prom themes were 2023’s “Secret Garden” and 2024’s “Intergalactic.”
This year’s theme was “No One Mourns the Wicked.” With a photobooth, cardboard cutouts of Elphaba and Glinda, bubbles and archways and yellow brick roads guiding the way, it felt like walking into the movie.
The movie is part of the reason for this year’s theme.
“Wicked has been a cultural moment since the movie came out, but it is also a great representation of what it looks to be different and how people might treat you; it has resonated with the queer community,” said Crawford.
Over fifty members dressed up and attended. During the event, participants got the chance to dance to a live DJ, socialize with drag queens and eat food catered by Pita Fresh, a late-night favorite of the DU crowd.
“It was really special to see everyone dress up and feel safe and valued in the environment,” said Crawford.
While Pride Prom is over, QSA is still hosting many events to close out the school year. Notably, on May 31, there will be a color run on the Carnegie Green.
“If you feel lonely or in need of support, QSA is a great community that helps provide resources. They help keep joy in what seems like a difficult time to be queer,” said Crawford.
