“Our LGBT seniors have certainly seen a lot in their lifetimes,” states the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center on its Facebook page. “And Senior Prom (this past Saturday) couldn’t have come at a more celebratory time!”
Indeed it could not, with the the repeal of Prop. 8 and DOMA taking place just days prior.
Many older same-sex couples, and LGBT singles, of L.A. had the night they couldn’t have when they were younger in a less open-minded and accepting America.
The L.A. Times reported the promgoers, some in tuxes (men and women) and others in jeans, walked on a red carpet as they entered the patio where their prom night awaited. The of the night was “Come Fly with Me” from the Beach Boys, with the lyrics “Wouldn’t it be nice to live together / In the kind of world where we belong” floating over the loudspeaker.
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The night included friends rejoicing, catered food, dancing, a conga line led by a Lucille Ball impersonator, live music and singing, and the crowning of a prom king and queen — each of whom chose a dance partner of the same sex.
LAT also shared the stories of several LGBT seniors who attended the prom, including 88-year-old Robert Clement, a WWII veteran and a priest. Clement founded an independent church in New York City in the ’70s that reached out to gay people, and he recalled meeting his partner on a dark night in London, marching in the first New York pride, and retiring to L.A.
Watch the LAT video of the event here.
Photo: Julia Wall/LAT
He_Is
This is adorable. I hope that every single one of the men and women there had a blast! We often disregard our elders and it’s a shame. We have much to learn from each other.
Ogre Magi
@He_Is: @He_Is: DITTO
Jackhoffsky
“a conga line led by a Lucille Ball impersonator, live music and singing, and the crowning of a prom king and queen.”
THAT SERIOUSLY MADE MY WEEKEND.
I love our seniors. It is their shoulders on which we stand. Thank you.
Vegas Tearoom
I used to volunteer at the LAGLC and Senior Prom was a WONDERFUL event! [Florian, call me:)] Love The Village, Love the Renberg, love the gallery. Such fond memories. The LAGLC is the Sine Qua Non of gay centers.
Scribe38
I want to go! Didn’t go to prom, because I couldn’t take a boy without buying two single tickets and pretending we weren’t gay. Ended up watching bad movies and cuddling with my bf at my grandmother’s house. I’m 39, and it still bugs me.
marc sfe
I’m not quite retirement age, but when my prom was held, taking a boy as a date never even entered my mind; it was that far removed from any sort of reality in the early 70’s. How wonderful and so very happy for all of those who were able to attend and have a prom that was really a prom.
Darnit, have someone in my eye now……
marc sfe
@marc sfe: Meant something in my eye, but I did have my eye on someone back then as well……Freud would be smiling.