Melody Jenkins is seen through rainbow streamers during a "Pink...

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. Credit: AP/Jenny Kane

PORTLAND, Ore. — 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.”

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.

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.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra recaps the cheerleading championships in Binghamton, Jonathan Ruban talks with three LUHI girls basketball players who made the McDonald's All-American team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 22: Cheer champs; LUHI All-Americans On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra recaps the cheerleading championships in Binghamton, Jonathan Ruban talks with three LUHI girls basketball players who made the McDonald's All-American team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra recaps the cheerleading championships in Binghamton, Jonathan Ruban talks with three LUHI girls basketball players who made the McDonald's All-American team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 22: Cheer champs; LUHI All-Americans On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra recaps the cheerleading championships in Binghamton, Jonathan Ruban talks with three LUHI girls basketball players who made the McDonald's All-American team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

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