ABSTRACT
Underpinned by queer, trans and feminist perspectives, this chapter examines the concept of the high school prom and how regulations surrounding this iconic social event can impact dramatically on LGBTQI+ student allies, their families and the community at large. The chapter begins with a historical overview of traditional high school proms, and their contentious evolution in a digital, commercial and heteronormative world. Next, the chapter investigates how in North American and Australian contexts, where school administrators use school proms to police gender expression, gender identity and sexuality, the legislative and social battlegrounds give rise to LGBTQI+ student and allied resistance. The analytical lens is then broadened to unveil how high school prom policies intersect with Christianity, in terms of protecting LGBTQI+ human rights. Finally, after examining the notion of visibility, including local and global repercussions from high school prom controversies, whereby LGBTQI+ students and their allies have pushed back against discrimination, the chapter advocates for a whole school approach to LGBTQI+ activism.
