SAN ANTONIO – LGBTQIA and gender-nonconforming students from across San Antonio are invited to a prom Friday night especially for them.
Organizers are hosting the prom celebration at La Botanica for students who were unable to attend their own proms for whatever reason.
Mia Stahl, a junior at Incarnate Word came up with the idea.
"When I heard about the girls being rejected from the prom, I immediately thought about how special prom is, and how no one should miss out on the experience of their senior prom,” she said.
When it comes to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual youth, co-owner and chef of La Botanica, Rebel Mariposa, said people should follow in the steps of Pope Francis and say “who am I to judge?”
“There are still people out there who feel perfectly content to judge and, in so doing, to deny these valiant young women such a hallmark experience for teenagers,” she said.
There will be a photo booth, flowers and decorations and a photographer. The theme “Purple Rain,” will honor Prince.
The event will run from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m and free to high school students. There will be a prom after party for the general public, with a $5 entrance fee. Formal attire is encouraged.