Pride Prom offers support for LGBT teens

Preslie Mateyka just wanted to make her friend Alex feel better.

This spring, Mateyka's friend, Alex, who is transgender, asked a girl he liked to prom. The girl's response, "I only date real boys," put an end to Alex's prom plans.

So the 20-year-old Algoma resident and a few friends decided they'd stage their own backyard prom to support Alex. A little music, some dancing, no haters, and the chance to enjoy prom like any other high-schooler.

What Mateyka didn't know when she reached out to Goodwill of North Central Wisconsin for assistance organizing her event was that the agency was looking for help organizing its eighth annual Pride Prom, a regional prom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens.

"It started as a small idea to do it in someone's backyard to let's get a hotel room to let's do one for the whole community," said Mateyka, who identifies as bisexual.

Deanna Tappy, Goodwill's LGBT program leader, said Mateyka played a key role in helping Goodwill expand the scope of Pride Prom. This year's prom is scheduled for Friday, July 10, at The Marq, 3177 French Road.

"We each had what the other person needed. I couldn't have done this without Preslie's attention to detail, love of decor, and energy," Tappy said. "Preslie took the initiative when she saw the need. She saw friends getting bullied and thought it wasn't right."

Tappy said Northeast Wisconsin schools have made some progress toward snuffing out bullying and discrimination based on sexual orientation. But there's still a need for Pride Prom.

"Most allow you to bring a same-sex partner to prom," Tappy said. "But not all teens are out at school. Pride Prom is an opportunity to be around people you identify with. It's an affirming place where they know their identity will be affirmed and valued."

Goodwill has helped foster an inclusive atmosphere for LGBT teens for almost 20 years through weekly support group meetings in Green Bay and Appleton.

"Goodwill values all people," Tappy said. "They see value in the LGBT community and they want to support and sponsor it. I think that's huge."

Pride Prom is open to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied teens between the ages of 14 and 20. This will be the eighth Pride Prom, and Tappy hopes that a new venue and a wider outreach will increase attendance beyond the 100-150 people that attended past events.

To that end, Tappy said, Rainbow Over Wisconsin, a statewide organization that supports LGBT programs, is providing buses to transport teens to The Marq from Goodwill locations in Green Bay Menasha.

As the event grows, Mateyka said there's no shortage of friends eager to help out. She said the community support for this year's prom surprised her, and she wants to let other LGBT teens know there is help and support available in the community.

"If we have more support in the community, we're saving a lot of lives, creating healthy, happy people and relationships. And everyone deserves that," she said. "I hope we can do more of that with the (Pride Prom)."

— jbollier@pressgazettemedia.com or follow him on Twitter @GBstreetwise

If you go

Pride Prom

When: 7-11 p.m. July 10

Where: The Marq, 3177 French Road, Lawrence.

Transportation: Free buses leave at 6 p.m. from 1660 W. Mason St. in Green Bay and 1800 Appleton Road in Menasha.

Tickets: $15 for individuals, $20 for couples. Tickets purchased at the door.