Jersey City, NJ, May 1, 2006-YouthConnect, of Jersey City Connections, Inc., is hosting its First Annual Prom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The event will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 8pm to midnight, in downtown Jersey City. The prom’s theme is Hollywood Glamour.

YouthConnect, the only organization that serves LGBTQ youth in Hudson County, NJ, wanted to give LGBTQ youth a way to celebrate themselves, and enjoy a night out on the town in a beautiful, safe place. In keeping with the true prom spirit, there will be food, a live DJ, a photographer, and a ceremony. This may be the only prom in which LGBTQ teens feel completely safe to express themselves. The event is open to LGBTQ individuals between the ages of 16 and 22, residing in New Jersey and New York City.

For protection, the event location will only be disclosed to individuals when they acquire tickets. Young people interested in attending must call YouthConnect, at 201-963-4779, to request tickets. There is a small suggested donation for tickets. Attendees under 18 need permission slips from a parent or guardian.

YouthConnect was founded in 2002. It is a program run out of Jersey City Connections, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to serve the needs of Hudson County’s LGBTQ youth community. Its programming, which includes a weekly peer-support group, is designed to positively impact the lives of young, at-risk, and underserved LGBTQ individuals.

For further information contact Tyree Oredein at 201-963-4779 or visit www.hudsonpride.org/YouthConnectProm.asp.



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