They Cupid Shuffled. They whipped, they nae-nae’d, and yes — they shook it like a Polaroid picture. But this wasn’t your typical high school prom. The historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami transformed into a vibrant celebration of queer joy as 96 LGBTQ students gathered for the estate’s first-ever prom.
With a dreamy theme of “Into the Garden,” students twirled beneath the stars in everything from purple corduroy pants and platform sneakers to flowing baby blue ball gowns — colors that matched the Biscayne Bay sky. For many, it was their first time seeing Vizcaya. Built in the early 20th century, the estate has queer history of its own — Paul Chalfin, a queer artist, helped design the villa and lived on the grounds with his male partner.
For Artemis Cruz, 17, a recent graduate of José Martí MAST, this moment was deeply personal. Cruz skipped his school’s prom, but helped dream up this one. The “queer prom,” organized by Safe Schools South Florida, is a response to Florida’s tightening restrictions on LGBTQ expression in schools. With support in schools fading due to the “Don’t Say Gay” law, events like this are vital lifelines for queer youth.
DJ Citizen Jane kept the dance floor moving with Chappell Roan and 2010s throwbacks, while some students danced, others sketched architecture, or just soaked it all in. The night ended with nine students crowned Kings, Queens, and Monarchs — a title designed to honor nonbinary students. From the waterfront views to the fierce fashion and chosen family vibes, it was a prom — and a moment — these students will never forget.
