Pride Youth Prom - Candy Melt Forest

Welcome to the Pride Youth Prom 2025 - Candy Melt Forest! Get ready for a night of fun and celebration at The University of Toledo, co-hosted by ET Community Action.

We are thrilled to embark on this magical journey with you, where vibrant colors and sweet connections come together in a celebration of youth and diversity. Join us for a magical evening filled with dancing, music, and lots of candy!

Dress to impress in your most fabulous outfit and show off your pride. Rumor has it a Toledo Queen will come and perform!

This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to make new friends and create unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on this epic night of joy and acceptance!

Attendees: Any lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer and allied identified person between the ages of 16 - 19 . Photo ID is required for entry.

WHO CAN ATTEND THIS EVENT?

Pride Youth Prom, hosted by ET Community Action at The University of Toledo is open to everyone under the rainbow including straight allies! However:

• Toledo’s Pride Youth Prom is open to ONLY 16 - 19 year old High School students as well as homeschooled students.
• Reserve a spot online or at the door, with student ID or homeschool confirmation required to attend this event. For the safety of the youth attending this event, parents and/or guardians are not allowed to enter the prom space.

WHY PRIDE YOUTH PROM?

Many schools expect students to adhere to cis-heteronomative standards of dress and expression at prom. We know that some LGBTQIA+ and gender expansive youth don’t fit these molds when it comes to self expression. Additionally, many students are bullied in school and have to be home-schooled, so they miss their prom, or maybe their prom experience through their school is not so LGBT-affirming. At the Toledo Pride Youth Prom, you are welcomed to dance the night away and bring whomever you want (as long as they’re 16-19 and with photo ID) and wear whatever you want! This is your night to enjoy prom to the fullest! The only requirement is to have fun!

I IDENTIFY AS A GUY, DO I HAVE TO WEAR A TUX?

NOPE! This is your night! You can wear whatever you want! If you want to come in cosplay, jeans & T-shirt, or in a costume that is on theme, that is fine too!

I’M NOT OUT TO MY GROWN UPS YET, IS IT SAFE TO COME?

YES! When you arrive at the venue, there will be NO signage or anything Queer/Rainbows/Pride around. There will be signs for a “Prom” leading from Lot 13 to the building entrance, and an adult will be at the entrance if you need us to talk to your guardians! Some folks even come to Prom in jeans and t-shirts and change into their prom outfit and change back out at the end of the night. Just remember all bags may be checked. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

I AM SHY AND GET SOCIAL ANXIETY, IS THIS EVENT RIGHT FOR ME?

YES! We offer a space space for EVERYONE! At the Pride Youth Prom, we will have a section where you can enjoy prom night in a quiet and relaxing way. Our staff and volunteers are also trained to deal with any anxiety situations that might come up.

CAN MY PARENTS OR GUARDIAN COME TO QUEER YOUTH PROM?

Sorry, no parents or guardians allowed. This event is for 16 - 19 year old High School youth. All adults allowed in this event have been trained to work with youth and have passed a background check. If your parents have any questions, feel free to reach out to us or speak to one of our staff members at the entrance. We will have onsite event security in addition to campus security aware of the dance.

I HAVE A SPECIAL DIET, WILL THERE BE VEGAN OR GLUTEN FREE FOOD AT PROM?

YES! We will offer something for everyone to enjoy. A full meal is not provided, but there will be hand-helds, dips, fruits, veggies, desserts and of course - candy!

I DON’T WANT MY PICTURE TAKEN. WILL THERE BE ANY PHOTOGRAPHERS I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT?

There will not be photographers taking photos of this magical event, HOWEVER there will be a designated photo booth area. In this marked area, please understand that photos may be taken. Students, please be mindful of others and ask consent before uploading photos to any social media.

WHAT ARE MY TRANSPORTATION/PARKING OPTIONS FOR GETTING TO AND FROM THE EVENT?

Please park in Lot 13, which is uncharged after 5pm on Saturdays. For drop off or to get close to Lot 13, you should enter “Memorial Field House” into google maps to arrive at the drop off location. Upon arrival, you will see Prom signs and an adult volunteer.

ARE THERE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THESE EVENTS?

Not at the moment, but we are still accepting in-kind restaurant food and candy donations for the event. The Prom planning committee consists of members of ET Community action, Toledo Pride, Woodward HS Students, University of Toledo Office of Multicultural Student Success, Equality Toledo and other community members. If interested in assisting with next year’s event, email [email protected]

THIS IS MY CHILD’S FIRST LGBTQ+ YOUTH PROM, HOW CAN I KNOW THIS EVENT IS SAFE?

The safety and well-being of all of our attendees is our main priority. While we can not post all measures we take to make this event possible due to security reasons, rest assured all adult staff have undergone background checks as well as University of Toledo training. When you are dropping off your child, our staff will be at the door answering any questions you might have. For any additional questions you may have prior to this event, please contact Tammy, board chair for ET Community Action at email: [email protected], or if ahead of the event at 419-540-8424.

IF MY CHILD IS ATTENDING PRIDE YOUTH PROM, CAN I STAY AS A PARENT AND WATCH THEM?

This event is designed to let youth be themselves in a safe environment, and parents are NOT allowed inside the prom venue. You may stay near campus or hangout at one of the nearby restaurants. However, we do invite you to attend Toledo Love Fest downtown in July 2025(family friendly)!

WHO DO I GET IN CONTACT WITH FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ABOUT THIS EVENT?

For media inquiries about this event, please contact Tammy, board chair for ET Community Action at email: [email protected]

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS TO QUEER PROM?

Thanks to our fabulous sponsors and donors, Pride Youth Prom is once again FREE for all eligible students. Thank you to The University of Toledo Office of Multicultural Student Success, Georgjz419, The City of Toledo, Monroe St. United Methodists, and Zoar Lutheran Church!!

MY QUESTION WAS NOT LISTED HERE?

We are sorry your question did not show up here. Please email us your question at [email protected] and we’ll promptly respond!

Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels accepted, valued, and empowered to express themselves freely amidst the enchanting backdrop of Candy Melt Forest. By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we can ensure that our prom is a positive and inclusive experience.

These rules were created in part by your peers who attended Pride Youth Prom planning meetings. 

1. The theme is “Candy Melt Forest”. No exposed undergarments. 
2. This is a chaperoned event. Respect and obey all in authority, which includes all adults. 
3. Please respect the facilities and its rules. Youth and parents will be responsible to make restitution for any damages caused. 
4. No smoking, alcohol, drugs, or weapons allowed
5. No sexual activity will be permitted on the premises. 
6. There are no book bags or large purses permitted in the facility. All bags must be checked. 
7. No outside food or beverages will be permitted in the event.
8. You may be subject to a search upon entry
9. Guests may be refused entry if believed to be under the influence of any substances or in violation of any other event rule. Anyone who may appear under the influence of drugs or alcohol, shall be detained until a parent, guardian, or authorities arrive to take responsibility 
10. Use cell phones with courtesy and obtain permission to film or photograph guests in attendance before doing so. 
11. ET Community Action and The University of Toledo are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. 
12. Any violation of this contract may result in removal from the event.

Event Venue

Lancelot Thompson Student Union, 2965 W Centennial Dr., Toledo, United States