By Hannah Shirey ’23, assistant editor
Freedom Rings will host a Second Chance Dance to give LGBTQ+ students and allies a second chance at their high school dances.
Freedom Rings is an LGBTQ+ and ally club at the Valley. The club’s mission is to provide a safe space for everyone to be themselves and have support from those around them. Freedom Rings hosts events like Pride and Freedom Week, Brave Zone trainings and other activities that center around inclusivity.
One of those activities is the Second Chance Dance which will be held in late February.
Many LGBTQ+ individuals did not attend their high school dances because they felt they could not express who they truly are or attend with the people they genuinely wished to.
“The Second Chance dance gives us the opportunity to be ourselves and have fun at a school dance regardless of who we love, how we identify, or what we want to wear,” Katelyn Huey, acting president of Freedom Rings, said.
The dance is open to all LGBTQ+ students and allies. Those in attendance can expect a safe space to relax, have fun and dance. The Underground of the Allan W. Mund College Center will be transformed with fairly lights, tulle and flowers. There will be a DJ, an open dance floor, a photo booth and treats.
Although the dance is meant to resemble the dances held in high school, there is no dress code. Students may wear whatever they feel comfortable wearing—a suit and tie, dress or jeans.
The dance is on Feb. 25, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Students are encouraged to “come as you are and with who you want.”
Students who would like to get involved in Freedom Rings can click the link on Freedom Ring’s Instagram page (@freedomringsclub) or send an email to freedomrings@lvc.edu.