Affinity Night - A BIPOC Queer Prom

We, Maniyah and Dare, are planning to host the affinity prom of our dreams in spring 2027. But before we get there let’s take it back high school.

In the world of Dare:

“Everyday of high school was a battle. Each morning I agonized over what clothes would make me look as androgynous as possible. So I could pass as nonbinary and not feel like my body was betraying me. By 8th grade I decided attending a glorified school dance with people I didn’t care about was not for me. But adding on the gender dysphoria, CPTSD, social anxiety, neurodivergence, and homophobia from my family and peers made prom a definite no. Prom was my worst nightmare. There was no way I was attending.”

Maniyah, however, did attend her senior prom.

“I wore a beautiful gown, got my makeup done, styled my hair in a gorgeous afro, and danced the night away. I had an amazing time and even won prom queen, it was basically the prom of my dreams. But there was something missing… a date. I couldn’t go with someone I loved because I was a closeted lesbian. Omitting the truth to myself so much, that the idea of a date never even crossed my mind. The result of this inner turmoil was an isolating experience that I hid well with a dazzling smile and glistening gown on prom night. ”

And now, here we are, with the opportunity to produce the prom the we never got to have. For ourselves and our community.

Being BIPOC and queer has its own unique challenges. Many queer spaces are predominantly white, and unsafe for BIPOC queer folx. So, we are curating a space for us, by us. Where we can dance, laugh, and be who ever we wish to be. Without fear, shame, or weird looks for embracing who we are.

We can hardly wait to be in the room filled with queer POC dancing the night away, and we need your support to get there. So please consider contributing to make this dream a reality.

With Love,

Maniyah and Dare