UK's First 'Gay Prom'

LONDON, UK -- Gay teens from across the UK will hit London next weekend for what is thought to be the very first "Gay Prom" to be held in the UK.

Targeted at teenagers aged between 16 and 19, Gay Prom UK is based on the already successful US models that exist in Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Unlike the American proms, however, the event will not be taking place in a gymnasium or school hall, but in London’s glitzy Astor Bar and Grill, more used to hosting A list celebrity parties than teenage get-togethers.

Teenagers themselves are organizing the event and they hope that Gay Prom, 2006 will send a positive message to gay teens struggling to come to terms with their sexuality that being gay is perfectly normal.

"We hope to have an attendance of 350," said Arfur Davison-Sharp who comes from Lydney in Gloucestershire and chairs the organizing committee of five teens.

He stressed that the even was not a London event for London gay teens. "There is a lot of interest in this event from all over the country," he said.

On the question of alcohol, Arfur said that there would be very strict controls in place at the Astor.

"You have to give the 18 and 19 year olds what they want," he said. "But personally, I am against a bar."

The organizers are being mentored by gay business guru Ivan Massow and lesbian icon Amy Lamé who is also hosting the event.

"Gay Proms are becoming very popular in the United States and are seen as an important step for teenagers to learn about relationships and courtship," said Massow.

"Unlike their straight contemporaries there isn’t the learning experience of the school disco era. The idea of a gay prom is to provide an opportunity for gay teenagers learn about relationships in a safe environment."

Gay Prom UK 2006 is on Sunday July 16 at the Astor Bar and Grill, Glasshouse Street, London, from 7pm to midnight. Advance tickets are £7 (£10 on the door). Note: this event is strictly for the 16-19 age group. It is a ‘straight friendly’ event so friends are very welcome.

For information on tickets, call 0208 741 7198, or visit the Gay Prom 2006 website.