This year marks the 50th anniversary since the first pride parade following the 1969 riot at New York City’s Stonewall Inn. Since we’re unable to gather in person this June, Queerty is celebrating pride season with our “Moments of Pride” series. We’re looking back through our archives at stories that have moved or inspired us, made us laugh, opened our hearts and minds, or that simply make us proud. Throughout the spring and into summer, we’ll be commenting on these subjects through today’s lens to show just how far we have come in a half-century. Happy pride!
In 2015, Las Vegas high school student Jacob Lescenski asked his friend Anthony Martinez to the prom. What made the story extra special is that Jacob is straight and Anthony is gay.
Jacob was comfortable enough with his sexuality that he didn’t care what others might think about him taking his best friend, who happened to be a gay guy, to the prom. Not only that, put he put together the cutest promposal ever.
First, he made a giant sign that read, “You’re hella gay, I’m hella str8, but you’re like my brother, so be my d8?” Then he had a bunch of their friends hold it up in the cafeteria for Anthony to see when he walked in.
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The story went viral. Afterwards, both teenagers were invited to speak at the HRC’s gala in Las Vegas.
MudgeBoy
brought a treat to my eye both times.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Both times I still can’t figure out who is chopping those darn onions!
Jim
Nice to remember in the age of Covid
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Jacob proved to be a beyond awesome friend. Probably figured Anthony would not be able to find a date, so showed true friendship is not constrained by sexual orientation and gave his BF the prom experience every kid deserves…
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
I googled this story and unfortunately some repugnant odious puddle of puke at a Walmart refused to put the word “Gay” on a cake Anthony’s Aunt wanted for the celebration.
But they had an amazing prom and were on Ellen. She gave them each $10,000.00 check. The video of the actual promposal is shown on the Ellen show, and in a time of turmoil and depression it’s a wonderful display of love and joy between two awesome kids. Not ashamed to admit was crying like a little girl watching them embrace 🙂
GayEGO
Wonderful article!
timm h
It was a wonderful reread/retear-up, but I would have liked some f/up info…unless, of course, the f/up was negative.
JayCreate
Hi this is Jacob, a friend just sent me this link. Thank you all so much for the kind words. Anthony and I love to hear that this still makes people happy to see!