Selena Carlson-Hagstrom’s involvement with local LGBTQ + youth led to a revelation as the annual LGBTQ Rainbow Prom date approaches on May 2. Many of those who attend the prom–or any formal event–do not have the resources to buy new formalwear for the event.
So, she founded the Faery Godparents, a local coalition of LGBTQ support groups and individuals to solicit donations of gently used formalwear.
“I enlisted the help of some of the area’s support groups such as the Calos Coalition, and we recognized that there are financial barriers in the queer youth community for quality formal wear,” she said. “So, we put out the call for donations of gently used suits, ties, dresses, pant suits, shoes, you name it, and the response has been fantastic.”
Now she’s expanding the ask to include sewing, alterations, jewelry-making, and more.
She’s asking those who take advantage of the program that they return the borrowed items for cleaning and repairs and storage so they can be used year after year.
“I love the idea of reuse anyway,” she said. “And to have permanent source of clothing not just for prom but for any formal event would go a long way towards our youth having the prom kids always dream of.”
WANT TO HELP?
When:
Now thru April 15th, Donations Accepted at all locations listed below
April 20, 2025, 757 Creative ReUse Center Sewing Bee Alterations
May 2, 2025, PFLAG HR Rainbow Prom
Where:
757 ReUse Center
300 Monticello Avenue, Unit 206 Norfolk, VA 23510
Old Dominion University
3041 Batten Arts & Letters Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23529
The Collective Tattoo & Body Piercing
2720 N Mall Dr Suite #116
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
LGBT Life Center
20 Settlers Landing Road
Hampton, VA 23669
You can reach Selena at selena7fold@gmail.com.
