It’s definitely hard to miss all the people where I live pulling out of driveways in dresses and people taking pictures across all the public areas, it really lets you know it’s prom time.
What’s your experience with prom (or multiple proms if you went to others too)? How did everyone look? How was it celebrated? Was it good?
I hate to add to the negative responses here, but this was my experience. Due to really bad gender dysphoria, I felt I could not go, because I feel like breaking down every time I wear a suit. I skipped it altogether due to the quite restrictive (cis-normative) dress code. Going as a man with a woman would make me really sad. I went to quite a few parties after with cool people, though, and those were really fun, so I guess that’s what counts.
It’s alright, we understand, and I can actually relate to that. I wasn’t very liked, so I ended up choosing my older brother (who himself is trans, female to male) as my prom companion since nobody in my class would go. I was happy at the idea of it being special for him, but we only got heckled because we were siblings (complicated by the fact I was a year older than the norm, being 18 instead of 17, which would’ve removed a negative connotation of going with an older brother over the age of 18 but would’ve made me a year older numerically than most prom-goers) combined with his status as someone who is trans. What was supposed to be fun ended up being cut short and we went home.
I bet it was still important as a gesture of solidarity, and it’s also valid to go home if it’s not worthwhile. Supportive people really inspire hope in me, and I think it’s that way for a lot of other trans people, too :)
I volunteer for a nonprofit whose mission is trans empowerment. One of the things they do is host an inclusive prom for all the folks who shared your feelings on the matter. It is a really beautiful experience to witness.
That’s wonderful! <3