 "Photo: The Olympian/Josh Nothnagle")
 "Photo: The Olympian/Josh Nothnagle")
The Bremer Student Center at Olympic College played home to a Pink Prom May 22 bringing in people not only from OC but also high schools in the area.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questionable sexuality population in Kitsap County gathered to offer youth a prom where they can be more comfortable bringing whatever date they want.
“I was telling some friends about Pink Prom in Seattle,” said Ian Sherman, OC English professor. “They were surprised about it happening in Kitsap.”
Sherman has been an “on and off” adviser to the Gay Strait Alliance, an OC club that has existed on campus in previous years.
Himesh Bhargo, Associated Students of OC vice president of judicial affairs, said the GSA has been approved as a club with Theresa Jones from the Counseling Center as the adviser. One of the minor objectives of Pink Prom was to gauge the need for a GSA at OC.
“I wanted to come so I could have a good time with some friends,” said Stephanie Malcolm, a Klahowya Secondary School student who attended the event.
Student organizers helped with the preparation for the event by contracting for a dance floor and lighting said David White, student organizer.
“It gives our college recognition for putting on events like this,” said White. “I want OC to stand out.”
Linsey Mayhew, director of youth programs for Kitsap County HIV/AIDS Foundation knows what kind of stress trying to hide your true self can create.
“Doing the work I do,” she said, “I know how this pressure affects youth.”
The night was hosted by “GiGi” and “Vivianne,” both are regulars of the Q Center.
The center is a “safe place where LGBTQ and their allies can get together,” said Justin Mitzlaff, one of the Q Center founders.
The Q Center played a major role in getting attendants for the prom.
“I think it really gives the youth the chance to go to prom feeling like themselves,” said Mitzlaff.
Providing entertainment was Bremerton’s own Miss Tori Marchella. She took the stage to perform to a captivated audience throughout the night and even took the time to pull spectators on stage to show her appreciation for their support.
“As a student myself,” said Marchella, “I’ve never really ran into a problem being a homosexual. When OC is accepting it can overflow to the community.”
Between performances she talked to people looking for advice or taking “thank you’s” from people she has helped in the past.
“Helping out the youth is really what it’s all about,” said Marchella. “There are a lot of very, very beautiful people out tonight, it’s something that’s been needed.”
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