Student Dance Promotes Equality

Celebration welcomes all sexualitiesEryn OlsonTHE SANTA CLARAFebruary 12, 2014[dropcap]S[/dropcap]anta Clara students have the opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year by attending the fourth annual Rainbow Prom. The event is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer students and allies alike. The theme for this year’s event is a wedding with the slogan “Say ‘I Do’ to Marriage Equality.” On Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight, students are welcomed into the Locatelli Activity Center by the Gay and Straight People Educating for Diversity, a club within the Santa Clara Community Action Program, for some free music, dancing and celebrating.“Rainbow Prom's goal is to provide a safe, fun, inclusive environment for a community of students who often feel excluded at traditional dances and proms,” said sophomore Lucas Hill, a co-peer coordinator of GASPED.“There will even be a bouquet toss,” said junior Torie Tremblay, a co-peer coordinator of GASPED.Rainbow Proms originally began after a young man was not allowed to bring his partner to his high school prom. Now, hundreds of colleges nationwide host Rainbow Proms to celebrate the inclusion of the LGBTQ community.“We see Rainbow Prom as the chance to do prom right,” said Tremblay.Rainbow Prom celebrates Santa Clara’s diverse student population.“This dance is important for the (Santa Clara) community because there are not many outlets at (Santa Clara) for LGBTQ students and allies to be seen and heard,” said Tremblay.Over 300 students attended last year’s Rainbow Prom.Students are encouraged by GASPED to bring whomever they want as a date. There will be gender-neutral bathrooms to further promote an inclusive atmosphere for everyone. “Our goal is that at Rainbow Prom everyone feels comfortable dancing their heart out,” said Hill.  Contact Eryn Olson at eolson@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.