Tuesday, May 22, 2007

More on BAGLY Prom & Foxy Cleopatra

Just came across the account of last year's BAGLY prom on Youth Pride day, May 13, 2006. From the homosexual publication, The Advocate:

A Prom for All (6-20-06)
by William Henderson

"This is really the greatest thing ever said Hervey Tennessee, 23, of the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth prom, which celebrated its 26th year on May 13. Wearing three-inch vinyl platform boots and a formal tuxedo with top hat and tails, Tennessee--tonight known as "Ace, the Prince of Wales" but usually known by his drag alter ego "Foxy Cleopatra"--gracefully moved through the crowd as friends reached out to touch him. "I'm used to it," he said. "Come here long enough, and everyone knows you." Then he was gone, caught up in the arms of a friend from a local high school.

The event, billed as "the original and largest LGBT youth prom," was held at Boston City Hall, where about 1,200 youth came together on the dance floor. Jian Torres-Jones, 18, danced alone, a glow-in-the-dark rubber ring attached to the studded dog collar around her neck. Girlfriends Emily Osmun, 18, and Carolyn Connolly, 19, cuddled nearby, celebrating their 1 1/2-year anniversary. Between them stood a boy in white satin, Tye Ouellette-Tolles, the self-proclaimed belly-dancing beauty from Sunderland, Mass.

Inside a restroom at the prom Joyce McCarthy helped her son, Daniel, into an emerald-green dress. A padded bra and high heels completed his look. McCarthy took pictures, heaving a video camera to her shoulder at one point. "This is my son, and I love him," she said. As she started to cry, Daniel turned and looked at her. "I know. I promised I wouldn't cry," she said. "I tell him, "You be proud of who you are.' I don't know what's wrong with some parents who don't understand. Live life the way you want to live it."

(c)2006 Liberation Publications, Inc.