Resource Center of Dallas to lay out red carpet for Gayla Prom

by Tereasa Nims of Dallas Voice

Resource Center of Dallas has taken the reins of Saturday’s 11th annual Gayla Prom with a “Red Carpet” theme.

“We’re doing it in support of [LGBT and questioning] youth,” said Cece Cox, associate director of The Resource Center. “That’s an area of our community that needs support.”

Resource Center offers support, health, HIV, education, social services and advocacy for North Texas’ LGBT community.

The prom is May 3 from 7 p.m. to midnight for those ages 15 to 22, Cox said. It’s being held in the Hughes-Trigg Ballroom on the Southern Methodist University campus.

Cox said the organization learned of the prom’s need of a sponsor through a Resource Center employee, Adam King, who serves on the prom’s steering committee.

“We were thrilled for the opportunity,” Cox said.

While Cox said there is more acceptance for LGBTQ youth than there was more than a decade ago, there is still discrimination toward them at some of their home schools.

“We want to provide a safe, affirming place for young people, even for one evening,” Cox said. “I’m really glad the community supports this.”

In light of the murders of gay teens Lawrence King, 15, of California, and Simmie Williams, 17, of Florida, both in February, Cox said the event seems necessary.

Gayla Prom is one of the largest events of its kind in the county and offers youth an opportunity to celebrate with their friends in a positive safe environment. More than 350 are expected to attend

To add to the evening’s fun, Something Fabulous is performing two 30-minute skits, said group member Brandi Garcia. The 12-member group volunteered their time.

Garcia said Something Fabulous entertains with Roller Boogie, skits from Moulin Rouge and Madonna-type stuff.

“We thought it would be something fun for the kids to see a different kind of show,” Garcia said.