What is Second Chance Prom?

Prom can be a time for great excitement and bonding with fellow classmates, but for many lesbian, transgender, bisexual, gay and queer students, prom can also be stressful. Many students are not able to bring their date of choice because of gender or sexual orientation. Many also are not able to wear clothes that make them feel comfortable or reflect who they are. MSSC’s Second Chance Prom offers one night a year when students and young people are able to have the prom experience while not worrying so much about their gender identity or sexual orientation being an issue.

The first Second Chance Prom in Mississippi was held in 2009 in Meridian, MS by Mississippi State University’s student organization, Spectrum, with help from the Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition. In 2010, MSSC took the lead on the prom following the news rush surrounding Ceara Sturgis and Constance McMillen. That year, the prom hosted more than 400 folks in Tupelo, MS. The following year, MSU’s Delta Omega Lambda co-hosted the prom at the Mississippi State University Campus. In 2012, the Southern Miss Gay Straight Alliance hosted a Carnival themed event attracting folks from all over the state.

What’s in store for #MSSCProm 2013?

This year’s Second Chance Prom will be hosted by Spectrum at Jackson State University. Spectrum is a student organization whose mission is to make Jackson State a safe and welcoming environment to all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. They participate in national campaigns to raise awareness, such as the Day of Silence, Aids Awareness Day and Ally Day.

Second Chance Prom will be the finale of their week-long pride celebration and informational event. Check back for more details regarding this week-long event.

As with all MSSC youth events, the space will be a drugs, alcohol, violence, weapons, pressure, sex and harassment-free environment. If you are found to have violated these you will be escorted out of the event with no refund.

MSSC and host organizations reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone who is believed to be a threat to the event or who are not upholding the goals of the event.

Cost: Free, thanks to Spectrum at Jackson State University

Eligibility: You must be between the ages of 16-30 to attend #MSSCProm.
If your date is over that age or under that age, we cannot guarantee admittance. Please contact us at info@mssafeschools.org

Did you know?

Your school cannot:

• ban you from bringing a same-sex date to prom, or
• ban you from wearing something because it doesn’t fit your gender?”

In 1980, Rhode Island high school student Aaron Fricke challenged his school’s ban on same-sex prom dates. A federal court ruled in Aaron’s favor and Aaron was allowed to take his date to prom. Fricke v. Lynch, 491 F. Supp. 381, 382 (D.R.I. 1980).

In 2010, Constance McMillen of Fulton challenged her school’s policy as well. And again the courts upheld the right of LGBT and ally youth to bring the dates of their choosing as well as wear the clothing of their choosing. McMillen v. Itawamba County School District, 702 F. Supp. 2d 699 (N.D. Miss. 2010).

If your public school has a policy against same-sex dates or gender non-conforming attire, contact us at info@mssafeschools.org.

To learn more about your rights while at school please visit the
Southern Poverty Law Center’s LGBT Rights website