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Portland's 'Pink Pony Prom' Celebrates LGBTQ+ Community in Photos

by Jenny Kane

Associated Press

Sunday June 15, 2025

Melody Jenkins is seen through rainbow streamers during a "Pink Pony Prom" organized by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center, part of New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness, on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
Melody Jenkins is seen through rainbow streamers during a "Pink Pony Prom" organized by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center, part of New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness, on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.  (Source:AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

The pink rose boutonniere crafted by their mom and pinned to their pink-shouldered cowboy vest made the perfect ensemble for Lennon Sandoval to wear to "pink pony prom."

A DJ is seen in front of a sign for a "Pink Pony Prom" organized by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center, part of New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness, on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
A DJ is seen in front of a sign for a "Pink Pony Prom" organized by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center, part of New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness, on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.  (Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

This year's edition of the annual event, held to celebrate teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community in Portland, Oregon, was inspired by "Pink Pony Club," the popular Chappell Roan anthem about queer liberation and self-acceptance. It was organized by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center, part of New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness.

Drag artists paused the dancing to perform for attendees, who tossed faux money at the stage.

Will Wantme performs during a "Pink Pony Prom" held to celebrate teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
Will Wantme performs during a "Pink Pony Prom" held to celebrate teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.  (Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Earplugs rested on tables and signs directed attendees to a low-sensory area for those who needed a break from the stimulation.

Though some kept on dancing until the lights went on.

Couple Michael, right, and Perse talk during a "Pink Pony Prom" held to celebrate teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
Couple Michael, right, and Perse talk during a "Pink Pony Prom" held to celebrate teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.  (Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Ambrose dances during a "Pink Pony Prom" held to celebrate teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
Ambrose dances during a "Pink Pony Prom" held to celebrate teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.  (Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Ambrose dances during a "Pink Pony Prom" on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
Ambrose dances during a "Pink Pony Prom" on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.  (Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
An attendee wears gay pride flags in their hat during a "Pink Pony Prom" held to celebrate teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
An attendee wears gay pride flags in their hat during a "Pink Pony Prom" held to celebrate teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.  (Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Jason Schubert, left, and Dean Willson, pose for a photo during a "Pink Pony Prom" organized by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center, part of New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness
Jason Schubert, left, and Dean Willson, pose for a photo during a "Pink Pony Prom" organized by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center, part of New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness  (Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Jason Schubert wears a tiara during a "Pink Pony Prom" on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
Jason Schubert wears a tiara during a "Pink Pony Prom" on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portland, Ore.  (Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
A volunteer wears a neon pink cowboy hat a during a Pink Pony Prom" organized by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center, part of New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness, on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portla
A volunteer wears a neon pink cowboy hat a during a Pink Pony Prom" organized by the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center, part of New Avenues for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness, on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Portla  (Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

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