Norris announces Gay Prom details

Over 500 people are expected to converge on The Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin on Sunday for Ireland's second official Gay Prom, which will be hosted by Senator David Norris and the comedian Katherine Lynch.

Announcing details of this year's event outside the Gaiety Theatre, Senator Norris promised a party with a difference for all those attending.

Organised by Irish charity BeLonG To, Gay Prom is a celebration and coming out party for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

In addition to colourful debs dresses and dinner, the event will include the crowning of the female Prom King and male Prom Queen.

Senator Norris said Sunday’s event was important in terms of validating young gay people’s experience. Recalling how he was the only person at his school to miss the debs, he said: “the first prom I ever attended was last year because this was something that people of my generation was excluded from.”

“Those attending the prom will be largely be talented, bright, young people, who are unscarred by criminal labels and ostracisation by society. They are individuals who can now have all the experiences which every other youngster takes for granted and I think that is great.

Separately, the event's organiser Michael Barron, director of BeLong To, said the prom would not only serve as a fabulous party but was also about the LGBT community supporting its young people to come out safely and to have all the same opportunities as other young people.

"Because of bullying and exclusion school can be a really tough place for LGBT young people. Traditional school Debs can be difficult for them, with many not going and still more not being able to bring a same-sex partner. Gay Prom is about redressing this so that gay young people know that they are valued and have the same rights as everyone else," he said.

Ireland’s official Gay Prom kicks off at 8.00pm. Tickets are available from www.belongto.org, The Project Arts Centre, or by calling (01) 881 9613. Tickets are priced at €50 and all proceeds go to charity.