Leaders By Choice (LBC), through our Tour De Force Teens program, is producing The Prom in Poughkeepsie, NY — a musical centered on activism, allyship, and radical acceptance. The show was intentionally chosen for its timely message: that everyone deserves to be celebrated, especially young people navigating identity and belonging.

In alignment with the themes of the musical, we are proposing a community-centered event: a Queer Prom for adults in Poughkeepsie. This event will serve as a joyful, affirming space for LGBTQ+ adults and allies — including those who may not have felt safe or accepted attending their own prom.

The evening will feature performances by local queer artists, a potential drag showcase, and partnerships with local LGBTQ+ and allied organizations. In addition to celebration, we will host a clothing swap and donation component to encourage accessibility, sustainability, and community care.

This project is not designed as a fundraiser for LBC. Instead, it is an offering to the city — an opportunity to extend the message of The Prom beyond the stage and into lived community action. By pairing youth theatre with an intergenerational community event, we aim to foster connection, visibility, and belonging in Poughkeepsie.

We’re not just putting on a show — we’re creating a space where Poughkeepsie can practice radical joy, visible love, and unapologetic belonging.