PORTLAND, Ore. — Decked out in a pink-shouldered cowboy vest and a rose boutonniere made by their mom, Lennon Sandoval was ready for the “Pink Pony Prom” — an annual celebration for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults in Portland.
Inspired by Chappell Roan’s queer liberation anthem “Pink Pony Club,” this year’s prom served as both a joyful dance party and a powerful space of affirmation for LGBTQ+ youth.
A Night of Pride and Play
Hosted by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center (SMYRC) — a program under the nonprofit New Avenues for Youth, which supports youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness — the prom featured:
- Drag performances, with attendees gleefully tossing play money onto the stage.
- A sensory-inclusive environment, including earplugs and a designated low-stimulation space for those needing a break.
- Unapologetic self-expression, with outfits ranging from glitter and boots to pink-tinted tuxes.
The dance floor stayed full until the lights came up — a sign of how vital such joyful, safe spaces are for LGBTQ+ young people.
A Celebration with Purpose
While lighthearted in spirit, the event also underscores the broader mission of its organizers: offering LGBTQ+ youth support, safety, and a sense of belonging in a world where those things are not always guaranteed.
