‘Candyland’ Prom In Little Village Celebrates LGBTQ+ Youth

This story was originally published by Borderless Magazine. Sign up for its newsletter to learn the latest about Chicago’s immigrant communities. 

LITTLE VILLAGE — For one night, the Yollocalli Fire Station in Little Village transformed into a candy-themed daydream.

The annual queer prom, launched in 2004 through the National Museum of Mexican Art’s youth programming initiative, was created as a safe space for queer Black and Latine youth to find community. 

“The museum supporting this initiative [over] 20 years ago was and still is a really big deal,” said Yollocalli Youth Development Advisor Whitney Ross. “I’m really proud to work for a museum that is so loudly supportive of all people.” 

This year’s event was hosted by Yollocalli Arts Center in partnership with Understanding and Support for Latinos Against HIV/AIDS (CALOR), a nonprofit dedicated to connecting Latinos at risk of or living with HIV/AIDS to health services and empowering them to live and work in the community through housing, education and employment programs. 

“I think queer prom gives young queer people a sense of hope that the people of Chicago are still going to be supportive of queer folks everywhere,” said CALOR lead organizer Iselle Jiménez. 

While the party was the main attraction, the event was also an opportunity for attendees to connect with youth-focused city organizations and reproductive and sexual wellness services.  

“I really want to just spread the word that queer people are here and visible, especially with the current administration,” Jiménez said. 

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