April 11, 2022 By Carol Britton Meyer
The Hingham Pride Project is presenting "True Colors: a very special Prom Night 21+" -- hosted by Provincetown's well-known Anita Cocktail -- at the end of April, and the tickets are going fast.
The event -- which will benefit HPP -- will take place at South Shore Country Club Friday, April 29, from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $100 each.
HPP Board member Mark Boles said this adult prom is an opportunity for members of the LGBTQ+ community who may have missed out on proms when they were juniors and seniors in high school to enjoy "a prom of their own," although the event is open to all members of the community. "It's like having an '80s party!" he said. "This will be a super-fun event."
The theme is to "Let your true colors shine" during this evening of dance, music, and fun, featuring passed hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, a take-home goodie bag full of surprises -- and a performance by Anita Cocktail that Boles expects will get guests singing and dancing. The 21+ restriction is because alcohol will be served, according to Boles.
"The past two years have been a challenge for any nonprofit [due to COVID], because fundraising is done best in person. This idea was conceived as a means of celebrating getting out of our bubble," Boles said.
Of the 200 available tickets, about 50 were sold during the first couple of days they were available. "I heard that two people from Ohio bought tickets," Boles said. "I'm not sure where they heard about our event."
Boles described Anita Cocktail -- a man performing as a woman -- as a "super-popular" performer in Provincetown. "It was a pretty significant win to get her up here. It's like a cabaret."
The HPP website further explains the purpose of the adult prom: "Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ don’t have a school prom experience that is LGBT-affirming; historically and even now, some schools expect students to adhere to cis-heteronormative standards in their wardrobe and expression at prom. Many LGBTQ+ do not fit these molds when it comes to self-expression. Additionally, many LGBTQ+ have been bullied in school and don’t get a prom experience. At the HPP prom, everyone is welcome and celebrated. We can’t wait to see you there!" (Heteronormativity is the concept that heterosexuality is the preferred or normal mode of sexual orientation.)
"Inclusion is the act of making people feel welcome, and for lots of members of the LGBTQ+ community, there have been times when proms haven't necessarily felt like the most comfortable environment for them to be in," Boles said. "This will be good old-fashioned fun, with music, cocktails, dancing, getting dressed up, and having a good time."
Tickets, as available, may be purchased at https://www.hinghamprideproject.com/pride-store/p/hingham-pride-project-prom