What's the difference between the debs and gay prom?

SMALL PRINT:THE LIMOS are purring, the fake tan is streaking and the gúnas are hanging on wardrobe doors all over the country. But the traditional debs can be a serious challenge for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) teenagers.

“Many of our members just don’t feel comfortable going to the event,” says Michael Barron of national gay youth charity BeLonG To.

Enter the second annual Gay Prom, an alternative debs for the LGBT community, taking place in Dublin on October 24th. Hosted by Senator David Norris and comedian Katherine Lynch, it features the crowning of the nights female Prom King and male Prom Queen and several buckets of glitter.

To mark the occasion we asked members of Gaelick.com, a website run by LGBT women, to compare the traditional debs to the Gay Prom experience:

The Date

Debs: Stress about finding a date, end up bringing your first cousin.

Gay Prom: Stress about finding a date, bring your first same-sex love or the guy/girl you met in The George last night.

The Dress Code

Debs: Obvious: Evening gowns for the ladies, monkey suits for the gentlemen.

Gay Prom:Fabulous: Unisex tuxes, second-hand frocks, skinny jeans, the 1980s.

The Accessories

Debs: Insecurity, fake tan, big hair.

Gay Prom:Confidence, pride, big smile.

The Warm Up

Debs: Embarrassing pre-event drinks party in parents' house.

Gay Prom:Pub crawl of the city's gay bars.

The Dance

Debs: Shuffle around morto during the slow set while the cousin eyes up your Maths teacher.

Gay Prom:Clear the floor while performing faux audition as GaGa for now sadly defunct Stars in Their Eyes.

The Charidee

Debs: Raise money for head girl, Worthy Wendy, who is building a house in South Africa, allegedly.

Gay Prom:Raise money for BeLonG To, supporting the young LGBT community across the country.

Gay Prom, October 24, Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin. Tickets €50.

Proceeds to BeLonG To. See belongto.org or call 01-8819613