Affirmations Prom ReDeux Makes Memories for LGBTQ+ Community

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Photos: Steve Koss, July 18, 2023)

Ferndale, MI – With a flowing fountain of spiked punch, endless supplies of pizza and cake, party beats mixed with slow jams, and rainbow decor that would rival most high school gymnasiums, Affirmations’ Prom ReDeux gave grown ups a chance to feel young at heart with a dance in the safe space of Michigan’s largest LGBTQ+ community center.

Located in Downtown Ferndale, Affirmations bustles with activities and services in a space that is, as the name suggests, affirming. There are support groups, counseling services, food programs, a community space that hosts both a theater group and religious services, an art gallery and more. But on the evening of June 24 it was all about dancing and having fun.

About 300 people attended the center’s inaugural prom event, which included a photo booth station, a tarot reader, food, music, and a chance to be relaxed and have fun in a crowd that didn’t care what they wore or who they were with.

Marisol Dorantes, who works in the communications department of Affirmations, said “We were hearing from people about how meaningful it was for them to be able to celebrate prom as themselves and with whom they wanted.” The biggest surprise, Dorantes said, was a proposal – and acceptance – in the middle of the event.

Unlike the dreaded popularity contests of youth, Affirmations’ approach to royalty was simple – attendees who wanted to be considered had their name included in a raffle to see who would win the crowns and sashes with the non-binary title of Prom Court. The winners were Nahiely Reza and D’Asia.

The event was both a celebration of community, and a fundraiser for the services the community center provides. Coming up next for Affirmations is the Big Bash Glow Up taking place at General Motors Auditorium on Sept. 23. Learn more about that event, and all that Affirmations offers at www.GoAffirmations.org

Also consider the Brunch with Barbie at Maple Theatre event on July 23, hosted by McMillan Behavioral Health and Addiction Services, which is a benefit for Ferndale Pride.

Photography provided by Steve Koss. Check out his website at https://www.stevekoss.net/