Safe Space NOVA’s Pride Prom is unique, in that it boasts education, compassion, action, AND celebration. 

▪ EDUCATION – Students have the unique opportunity to connect with LGBTQIA-affirming organizations that provide social, medical, and mental health support to youth in Northern Virginia and beyond. 

▪ ACTION – Students can apply to serve as Pride Prom Leaders who work towards creating the next year’s prom while learning advocacy skills which they are encouraged to turn into action within their communities. New in 2024, youth are also encouraged to become Peer Educators in our “You+Me=We” healthy relationship program, acting as ambassadors of positive, respectful and secure romantic relationships. 

▪ COMPASSION – We offer a dedicated Sensory Space and “silent disco” option for neurodivergent and special needs youth — or anyone who just needs to take a break from the action.  All attendees also have access to screened and vetted mental health professionals with experience in LGBTQIA and gender identity issues, as anxiety has been reported by students attending their first dance or experiencing dysphoria.

▪ CELEBRATION – Pride Prom is fun! Students routinely report that it is their favorite day of the year and that they cannot wait for next year’s event. Adult chaperones and volunteers are equally delighted watching the attendees have the time of their lives, feeling included and liberated from the traditional prom experience. 

Ticket price includes non-alcoholic beverages, delicious food by Classic Catering (including a special waffle dessert bar!), and silent disco headphones if desired.  All attendees are also eligible to win phenomenal door prizes including gift cards, pride apparel, sporting event tickets, books, games, and more! Art from Torpedo Factory resident artists and additional pride swag may be purchased using cash, credit card, or Venmo.

SPONSORSHIP & DOOR PRIZE DONATIONS

Pride Prom’s success depends on the support of our entire community. For sponsorship or door prize donation opportunities, please email info@safespacenova.org.  

PRIDE PROM 2024 GUIDELINES & RULES 

All attendees are welcome to wear clothing that makes them feel comfortable, and to generally express their identity authentically (feel free to come in a tuxedo, jeans, ballroom gown, or shorts).

All attendees (including guests) agree to the following. There will be a zero-tolerance policy for noncompliance and guests who do not adhere to these rules will be asked to leave and forfeit the cost of attendance.

1. ALL students ages 14-20 are welcome. NO attendee may make another feel unwelcome, unwanted, embarrassed, excluded, or unworthy. Leave all drama at the door (or better yet, at home).
2. Attendees must show a valid school ID, driver’s license/permit, or a government identification card (and it’s fine if the name doesn’t exactly match the name you go by; we are checking faces and birthdates)
3. Attendees must be COVID-19 Symptom Free. At this time, no masks are required, but we reserve the right to require such if the health department recommends their use.
4. Attendees must show picture proof of COVID-10 vaccination (2 vaccines + Booster; take a picture, no need to bring the card). Those who have not been vaccinated must show proof of negative COVID test.
5. Attendees are expected to use other attendees’ pronouns as requested.
6. Attendees agree to follow directions given by Safe Space NOVA staff, volunteers and The Torpedo Factory staff at all times.
7. Persons, bags, backpacks and purses may be searched by Safe Space NOVA staff and volunteers, The Torpedo Factory staff, and security if deemed necessary. Better yet, leave bags at home. You’ll want free use of your arms and legs for dancing, clapping, and posting TikTok’s.
8. No alcohol or drugs of any kind may be possessed or consumed at the event or before coming to the event. This includes THC vapes. Persons who are under the influence of any substance, regardless of age, will not be admitted. [if you have medication that MUST be taken at the event, you are asked to contact the event organizers prior to May 1, 2024.]
9. No weapons, nudity, sexual acts, fighting, harassment, name-calling, disrespect, or stealing will be tolerated.
10. Not a rule, but attendees are encouraged to DRINK WATER. Dancing+Celebrating+Singing+Fun=Need for hydration.
11. Guests must have a ride home or be headed toward the metro by 11:15pm or they may be forced to join the undead.