Last week, Highline college hosted their Pink Prom with drag performances by Delyla Dalyte, Caesar Hart, and Tyra. Building 8 served as a beacon of inclusivity, with stickers, bracelets, buttons, and flashing giveaways at the entrance for everyone to find a representation of identity to wear. 

Ashley B., a Highline student in attendance, said, “I love when my queer people are in their safe space, having a great time.” 

Walking into Mt. Townsend, the pink papered walkway welcomed students with condoms, both male and female, binders, food, and drinks. The Olympus/Constance conference room supplied a low sensory area with soft lighting and music, queer-themed coloring sheets, and board games. 

One student curled up on the beanbag chair in the low sensory area read a book while a group played a tabletop game. 

Rachel Stuart, a Highline instructor, said, “I love this. This is such a great opportunity for all of our faculty, staff, and students to be able to celebrate who they are and to have pride.” 

The event was a combined effort of the LGBTQIA+ Task Force, Q-Center, and the Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence (CCIE). In the days leading up to the event, the promotional email, sent to all staff, students, and faculty, received “multiple hostile, homophobic responses.” 

The harassment, combined with “multiple incidents of vandalism with materials, including LGBTQIA+ Pride Flags, at the hub,” prompted a school wide email from Dr. John Mosby, the President of Highline College. 

In his “Reminder of Highline College’s Mission, Vision, and Values,” email, he stated, “These types of responses and actions against marginalized communities go directly against the college’s Mission, Vision, and Values… If you do not wish to read certain email announcements, we kindly ask that you delete them without responding. Negative or hostile responses will be reported and may result in disciplinary actions.” 

These outside threats did not weigh on the party at all, however. The dance floor was torn up by group dances, the staple Cupid Shuffle, and gay anthems from all eras. Delyla Dalyte and Ceaser Hart rejuvenated the attendees with the crowd work, and Tyra’s performance on rollerskates took everyone’s breath (and tips) away. 

While colleges across the nation have their funds threatened and ripped away through Donald Trump’s “anti-DEI policies,” Highline maintains a safe space on campus for all communities. Volunteers of the event still acknowledge that there is more work to be done. 

One anonymous volunteer said, “I love this for our community, but I don’t think you should have to be an adult to have access… It should be available to younger students who are still exploring.” One suggestion was to open up events like Pink Prom to the grade schools in the area, whether that task is taken up by Highline committees or community members. 

*Mavrie has been serving as editor for the Thunderword since 2024.