Illustration by Ivan Velez, Jr.

This year's Anti-Prom, held on June 5th, was a tremendous success. Over 200 teens rocked the Library's Astor Hall to the sounds of DJ Johnny Dynell who played everything from the saucy Reggaeton standard "Gasolina" to hardcore punk. Chi Chi Valenti and the Jackie Factory provided dancers costumed like characters from Japanese manga and  anime---space-age samurai and geisha---in line with this year's theme: The CosProm. The guest of honor this year was Simon Doonan who gave uplifting fashion advice to the crowd from his new book Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You.  The event received beautiful coverage by Brett Berk, author of the Gay Uncle's Guide to Parenting, in Vanity Fair,  as well as in Next Magazine. A video of the event is now available on iTunes.

The Anti-Prom provides an alternative, safe space for all teens who may not feel welcome at official school proms and dances because of their sexual orientation, the way they dress, or any other reason. The Anti-Prom has been recognized for excellence by the American Library Association's Young Adult Library Services Association. The event is organized by the Library's Teen Central. In the fall, the Library will be expanding outreach to LGBT teens thanks to the support of Time Warner, Inc. which has provided initial funding for LGBT@NYPL.