Pride Prom
Pride Prom 2026
Safe Space NOVA is pleased to announce Pride Prom: Starry Night happening June 26th at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center!
Pride Prom Rules
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 their cost of attendance.
- ALL youth ages 14-20 are welcome. NO attendee may make another person feel unwelcome, unwanted, embarrassed, excluded or unworthy. Leave all drama at the door (or better yet, in politics).
- Attendees agree to follow directions given by Safe Space NOVA Staff/Board, volunteers, law enforcement, and The Torpedo Factory staff at all times.
- Attendees must show a valid school ID, driver’s license/permit, or government identification card (and it’s fine if the name doesn’t exactly match the name you go by; we’re checking faces and birthdates).
- Attendees are expected to use other attendees’ pronouns as requested.
- Persons, backpacks, bags, 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, Snapchatting, and carrying home door prizes and swag.
- No alcohol or drugs of any kind may be 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), or who behave in a way that would suggest intoxication, 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 June 1, 2026.]
- No weapons, nudity, sexual acts, fighting, harassment, name-calling, disrespect, stealing, or nonconsensual photography/social media tagging will be tolerated.
- We do not want to have a water intake rule, but please DRINK WATER (provided!). Haven’t you been on TikTok? Gay-mazing icons are all well hydrated.
- COVID-19 is still a thing even though people think it’s a historic thing. Masks are not required but the expectation is that if you are in attendance, you have been vaccinated and boosted.
- Guest must have a ride home or be headed to the metro by 11:15 PM or they will be lost into deep space and combusted like stardust.
More information & tickets coming soon!
What is Pride Prom?
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.
