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Photos: Lawrence PRIDE’s Queer Prom gives attendees ‘the prom we always wanted’

by Chloe Anderson
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Between dancing, watching performances and bidding on baskets in the silent auction, folks drank and laughed around love-themed tables at Lawrence PRIDE's Queer Prom, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.
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Post last updated at 4:19 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11:

Lawrence PRIDE, which recently expanded to become a nonprofit, hosted its Queer Prom Friday evening at Arterra Event Gallery. 

Members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies were welcome to dance the night away and enjoy performances by local drag queens. Local businesses donated dozens of prizes for a silent auction, and attendees took advantage of the photo booth and cash bar. 

“Queer Prom is the prom we always wanted and never got to have,” said Lawrence drag king Novacayne DeMornay. “I’m very proud to be a part of this … we couldn’t do this without all of your guys’ support. So thank you so much for being here.”

The event raised money for Lawrence PRIDE to continue hosting film screenings, drag shows, the annual PRIDE parade and more. To learn more about Lawrence PRIDE and stay engaged with upcoming events, visit this link.

Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times Lawrence PRIDE’s Queer Prom was held Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 at the Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Drive.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times Raeanna Peacock and Brett Chrisler take advantage of the Valentine’s Day-themed photo booth.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times Holly Swearingen, 24, poured, mixed and shook drinks behind the bar.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times Sponsors including Waxman Candles, RPG, KC Body Casting, Henry’s and Third Planet donated baskets to the silent auction. All proceeds went toward supporting Lawrence PRIDE and making future events possible.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times Joel Leoj, 28, manned the photo booth.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times Pronoun shirts were available for purchase throughout the evening.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times The room was quiet for the first time all evening as 28-year-old Clayton Capra, of Dighton, sang “My Funny Valentine.”

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Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times 45-year-old Courtney Farr holds 31-year-old Amy Thompson for their annual Queer Prom photo.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times Lawrence drag queen MsAmanda Love served as the DJ for the evening.

After the performances, people hit the dance floor.

Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times

Note: This post has been updated to correct a misattributed quote.

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Chloe Anderson (she/her) contributed to The Lawrence Times from August 2022 through May 2023. She is also published in Climbing magazine, Kansas Reflector and Sharp End Publishing. As a recent graduate of the University of Kansas, Chloe plans to continue her career in photography, rock climbing and writing somewhere out West.

You can view her portfolio, articles and commissioned work here. Check out more of her work for the Times here.

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