Members of Binghamton University’s Rainbow Pride Union (RPU) are hosting the University’s first gay prom this evening at 8 p.m. in the Susquehanna Room of the Old University Union.

Intended to celebrate diversity, the gay prom will be a re-creation of a generic high school prom, dancing and dressing up included, where all sexual orientations are welcome.

“It’s very straightforward as a prom,” said Lyn Nelson, RPU’s co-director of events.

Prom-goers can look forward to non-alcoholic cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music provided by a DJ. As with any prom, formal, or at the very least semi-formal, attire is required.

According to Nelson, the high school prom is a rite of passage for most American teenagers. However, she said, many people didn’t get a chance to have the prom experience in high school that they wanted.

“It’s an opportunity to provide that experience,” she said.

Even though this is the event’s first year, Nelson and the other members of RPU are hoping for a successful turnout. Tickets will be available at the door for $7 a person or $10 a couple.

“Our goal is to have 200 students show up because that’s how many invitations we printed out,” Nelson said.

While the prom is open to all BU students, RPU is going further and reaching out to the local high schools.

“It is prom time for them too,” Nelson said.

RPU originally planned to send out formal invitations to local high school seniors through the University, but were unable to do so. Instead, they are relying on RPU members to spread the news by word-of-mouth.

In addition to entertainment and an opportunity to spread social awareness, the gay prom provides a chance for the gay and straight communities to come together on neutral ground.

“We want to broaden our horizons as an organization,” Nelson said, adding that an event such as the gay prom, where it is clear that everyone is welcome, forms a neutral place for people to come together without any pressure.

“It’s an opportunity for people to mingle,” she said.

Alternative proms are planned across the nation by different groups and communities, ranging in age from high school students to adults. Gay proms have also been held by activist groups at other colleges, such as Cornell and Ithaca.

In the past, gay proms have been extremely successful in bringing attention to the gay community and gay activism. A gay prom held in Long Island in 2001 was covered by 52 media outlets, according to the New York Times.

RPU event directors are hoping that this year’s gay prom will be the first of a new annual tradition.