Following a low-attendance year, Queer Space is betting bigger on Queer Prom.
Queer Space, in collaboration with the AMS’ social issues commission, will be hosting its annual Queer Prom on April 2 at 7 p.m. in Wallace Hall.
In an interview with The Journal, Co-Chair Raameen Jawaid, and Finance Coordinator Zainab Zaidi, both ArtSci ’26, explained the importance of a Queer-focused prom.
“Queer prom is an inclusive, safe, fun space for queer people to come and have a good night,” Jawaid said. “You have regular proms, and all these formals at Queen’s, and sometimes they aren’t as inclusive, or they’re not made specifically for Queer people. So Queer Space’s whole thing is to give queer people a space for them specifically.”
Jawaid explained the previous year’s Queer Prom was “a complete flop” in terms of attendance. This year, Queer Space has worked to increase attendance, with a goal of 75 attendees.
“We really wanted to make sure that this event was going to be big,” she said. “Hence, the collaboration with the social issues commission. And then we also have Q Plus, which is another campus queer club, doing a ticket giveaway. So, we just have a bunch of people trying to collaborate on this so that we can reach all Queer people.”
The organizers have worked to incorporate queer trends and activities into the night, hiring a queer-identifying DJ and drag performer.
“Being able to get a drag queen, especially in Kingston for this event, was a big win for us,” Zaidi said.
QLit, a local student band, will also be performing at the event. Their guitarist, Ethan Hewison, ArtSci ’29, wrote to The Journal to share his enthusiasm toward the event.
“Our band is really committed to uplifting and celebrating queer people,” he said. “So, we’re really excited to perform at this event.”
In addition to the entertainment, the $25 ticket will buy its attendants a fully catered meal and dessert, with the option to go downstairs to the Queen’s Pub to buy a drink.
Ultimately, Jaiwad and Zaidi are excited to provide the type of space they wish they had when they first came to Queen’s.
“In my first year when I came to Queen’s, there was absolutely no Queer space or anything where I felt like I was included in that way. I actually felt very isolated in terms of my Queer identity,” Jaiwad said. “I wish that in first year there were more events that I could just go to meet people. So, I think that was my goal, going into Space, and I feel like we’ve been pretty successful.”
The team has also reserved the Polson Room in the JDUC as a quiet, sensory-friendly space to ensure the prom remains accessible to all.
Tags
Qplus, Queer Prom, Social Issues Commissioner
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