Proudly Gleaming is an annual prom celebration for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. Since 2003, OU's former Gender + Equality Center (GEC) has hosted a formal dance known as the Pink and Black Ball, held each spring in the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom as a fundraiser. Initially, from 2003 to 2009, the event supported breast health initiatives, aligning with the office's grants from Susan G. Komen for the Cure. After 2009, the GEC redirected the event's proceeds toward its broader programs. In 2021, Proudly Gleaming was introduced, replacing the Pink and Black Ball to offer a more aligned experience with the GEC’s evolving mission.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the event will honor its Pink & Black Ball origins, returning to the spring semester. This vibrant celebration still continues to provide an inclusive, joyful space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies to freely express themselves, embrace their identities, and celebrate community. The evening will feature student performances, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, light refreshments, and more!
Proudly Gleaming is packed with engaging and inclusive activities designed to bring people together in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights of the event include:
Enjoy a delicious selection of hors d'oeuvres and light refreshments throughout the night, with options that cater to various dietary needs. It’s a chance to fuel up and mingle with the larger community!
Served by the Peer Educators team from the Office of Advocacy and Education, attendees can enjoy free mocktails while practicing communicating consent in a supportive environment.
Enjoy live performances by OU’s LGBTQIA+ community, featuring music, drag acts, and other performances. Celebrate the diverse talents and vibrant self-expression of your peers!
Hit the dance floor with an energetic mix of music, featuring everything from popular hits to nostalgic throwbacks. Whether you’re showing off your moves or just swaying to the beat, it’s all about having fun and expressing yourself!
Capture the magic of the night with themed photo stations! Strike a pose solo, with friends, or with that special someone. These snapshots are perfect for sharing memories and celebrating your unique style.
Engage with fellow students and allies in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re making new friends or reuniting with old ones, this is a space to strengthen bonds, share stories, and build lasting memories together.
