RockOUT at Slippery Rock University wants students of all sexual orientations to come to the Equality Prom.
The group decided to host an equality prom which will be on Saturday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Smith Student Center Ballroom. A “Thrift Shop” theme has been chosen by the group members, but American Horror Story and The Great Gatsby were also in the running for a theme. The group wants students to come wearing thrift shop clothes.
“I have attended many different events that RockOUT has hosted, like the ‘Holi-gay Dinner,’” Lea Bialek, sophomore communication major, said. “The environment is so open and friendly. I cannot wait for the prom!”
The prom is important to the group because all students of all sexual orientations are invited, as they want to create an open atmosphere. The group said events like these are an important step for the LGBTQIA community in earning their rights, not just in Slippery Rock, but everywhere.
Slippery Rock students must present a valid ID to attend, though they may bring guests ages eighteen and older with a valid ID.
“There will be plenty of food, dancing and fun,” Bialek said. “I think everyone should come and experience this because you can just go and be yourself with no worries.”
The group is very active on campus and will participating in a dodgeball event called “Knocking Out Stigma” at the Abersold Recreation Center and an “A Day of Silence” event coming up later in April too.
RockOUT is SRU’s LGBTQIA group that meets every Monday at 8:00 p.m. in the Women’s Center, which is located on the second floor of the Smith Student Center. Students who attend RockOUT sign confidentiality forms to protect the identity of those involved in the group. RockOUT encourages all students of every sexual orientation to come to the meetings.
Sorry Catie, we forgot to fix “Communications” for the print edition. – Kevin