Tommy Dorfman To Host Queer-Inclusive Prom for All

As we all know by now, the ongoing pandemic has sidelined a ton of plans. Sports games, major events, the RuPaul's Drag Race finale -- big stuff! Lady Gaga, the Obamas, and more are partnering to give the Class of 2020 the graduation ceremony that they deserve during this unprecedented time, and now Tommy Dorfman and UGG are teaming up for a virtual prom.

For the past few years, the comfortable footwear brand has hosted a PROUD Prom at the headquarters of its parent company, Decker Brands. That event hosts LGBTQ+ youth and allies and is aimed at celebrating inclusivity, diversity, and equity. Though that was hosted this past February, the company is hosting a new version of prom on May 15 on their website featuring Dorfman as well as a few friends: makeup artist Kali Kennedy is doing a makeup tutorial, stylist Chris Horan will give fashion advice, ALOK is set to moderate a Q&A, Shangela will be making an appearance, and Fletcher and DJ Jonjon Battles will be doing performances. The prom coincides with the launch of the company's new Pride collection as well as a donation of $125,000 to GLAAD.

The Pride range includes two slides covered in sheepskin. The Disco Checker Slide, which includes a platform sole, is a new silhouette for the label. The other option is a typical slide, both done in colorways that wink to the LGBTQ+ Pride, Genderqueer, and Trans Pride Flags. The footwear will be available year-round.

Here, we talk to Dorfman about the event and their own prom experience.

How did you get involved in Prom for All and how are you contributing?

UGG and I have a nice history of working together, so it was really organic! They asked me if I was interested in supporting their fourth annual #UGGPRIDE 'Prom for All' event with Pacific Coast Pride that's inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth, providing a safe space for them to celebrate, and I had to say yes. It was an added bonus to know that we would be supporting GLAAD in the process. I'm contributing through hosting a really fun cyber- 'Prom for All'- experience with some of my closest friends.

Why is it important for you to help to develop spaces like this?

Even though teens today seem more open-minded than generations before, it's still clear that there are big issues with bigotry and hatred toward LGBTQ+ people that lead to depression, suicide, and even kids being forced into homelessness. It's imperative that we work as a community to provide safe spaces for these kids to feel like they can authentically express themselves.

How was your own prom experience?; What did you wear?

My prom was pretty basic! I wore a short-suit with non-prescription glasses.

If you could redo it now would you change anything?

Would've worn that skirt I really wanted to wear.

What have you been doing in quarantine? How do you plan to celebrate Pride in quarantine?

Getting good at cooking, writing and working a ton, raising a new puppy. I live in a house with queer people and we are all going to celebrate together.

Tell me what Pride means to you.

It's a time to celebrate our community, publicly display our love for one another, and a continued protest of equality that stems back to the BlackCat and Stonewall Riots.

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