Otterbein University's LGBTQIA+ student organization on campus, FreeZone, will be putting on the Other Prom on Friday, April 8 from 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. in the Fisher Gallery in Roush Hall.
“The Other Prom is a prom for people who, in high school, didn’t get the chance to go how they wanted," said Maria Merendo, president of FreeZone. “A lot of high schools have dress codes where if you’re a girl you have to wear a dress and if you’re a boy you have to wear a suit. Some schools won’t let same-sex couples go together.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the Other Prom from taking place since 2019. “Currently none of the FreeZone executive team has ever gone to the Other Prom because we weren’t here at Otterbein yet,” Merendo said.
“Anyone is welcome to come. It is for the entire campus,” Merendo said. “We have a theme of fantasy. Students don’t necessarily have to follow the theme or dress-up either, but the fantasy theme is what we are going for.”
Food, drinks, music and photo opportunities will be provided. “We’re going to have a polaroid camera so students can get a Polaroid picture taken if they want to do that,” Merendo said.
The event is free for everyone.
“We’re just doing our best. We want to give students the chance to experience prom.”
