PRIDE PROM–Righting the Rite

On Saturday, May 21^st,  (7-10pm)  Boystown hosts the inaugural Pride Prom: a chance to rewrite history. Kicking off Pride Season, Pride Prom promises attendees a night full of music, drinks, and memories as they relive their Prom night with the date they have always wanted to ask.  For many couples, Pride Prom offers a chance for redemption, either from their fashion faux pas from high school, or being able to create a memorable night in a welcoming environment, for others, it will be their first prom experience. Prom excitement is at a fevered pitch as attendee’s frequent local Boystown businesses to make sure they are ready for the big night.

Local business owners and community leaders Ramesh Ariyanyakam and Edward Gisiger of Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club shared their story with Northalsted Business Alliance, which reflects just one of the many heart warming and stories that have been shared while creating the ideal Pride Prom experience.

NBA: What were your prom experiences like?

R: I grew up in England! Prom is completely alien to me!

E: Gay couples were not permitted to go to Prom when I was in high school, so I decided to not attend at all. To be honest, I always picture the dance scene from Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion when I think of what prom would probably have looked like if I had gone.

NBA: When did the two of you meet?

E: We met 18 years ago at Circuit, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Ramesh approached me and asked “do you speak Spanish?” I replied, “si”, and we’ve been together ever sense. To this day, every time he asks me to do something I don’t want to do, I always reply “si”.

NBA: Why did you choose Boystown as the place to live and open your business?

R: We chose to live in Boystown because we wanted to be close to our friends. Opening up our business here seemed like a natural progression as we wanted to have an entertainment destination spot where you can enjoy a beautiful dinner and watch the world’s best divas. Boystown is the premier gay neighborhood in the Midwest, if not the world, so it made complete sense for us to establish our business here.

NBA: Besides Pride Prom, what would your ideal date night be like?

E: Of course, we would have dinner and drinks at Kit Kat while watching a fabulous show. After, we would head down to Yoshi’s Café for dessert, and then Roscoe’s Tavern for a little dancing.

NBA: In light of recent events, how important do you think it is for businesses to be accepting of LGBT people?

R: It is of vital importance. We are the leaders in the LGBT community and we have to lead with a positive example. Everyone is welcome at our business, LGBT or otherwise!

NBA: How important is it for local businesses to support and engage with the community?

E: Kit Kat has been around for over 15 years, and that has been our goal since the day we opened. We want to work with other businesses to create a space that is welcoming and entertaining for everyone, and to ensure that Northalsted remains a world class destination for its visitors. It’s one of the main reasons we spend a lot of time involved with beautification and security on behalf of the community.

Ramesh and Edward’s story is just one of the many that help make Pride Prom a truly special event for Boystown. With the support of 15 local businesses, Alderman James Cappleman as honorary co-chair, and many pillars of the community coming together to celebrate, Pride Prom will embody the sense of togetherness that the LGBT is known for.

tickets are available at www.northalsted.com. ($100  / includes complimentary  beer and wine).