Safe Space NOVA’s Pride Prom Enters “A New York State of Mind”
“As much as we’ve seen a progression and needed change, in which more schools have an accepting and affirming climate, where people are able to go to a dance and dance with whomever they choose and dress how they want to, for students who are not out, prom can still be an intimidating experience,” says Amy Cannava.Cannava, a school psychologist who serves as program manager for social activities and social support at Safe Space NOVA, is discussing the motivation behind the LGBTQ youth organization’s annual “Pride Prom.”“We’ve also had situations where young people just don’t feel psychologically — if not physically — safe at their own prom because it’s in a smaller school or a school where there are fewer out LGBTQ youth,” she adds. “And so knowing that you’re going into an environment where everyone is either an ally or queer or trans is instantly supportive and disarming, because people don’t feel the need to hide who they are or worry about people questioning them.”Held annually, the Pride Prom is an event that serves as an LGBTQ alternative to a traditional prom for high school-aged students, from rising ninth graders to recent graduates.