For the very first time, Bitterhalfbooking is hosting a Pride month prom called the Secret Garden Ball at the Corvallis Community Chandler Ballroom. Doors open Saturday, June 3 from 7-11:30 p.m., and the event is open to all ages, genders and orientations. 

There is no cost but there will be a $5 to $20 sliding scale suggested donation at the door. All proceeds from the door will be donated to The Trevor Project, a nonprofit suicide prevention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth.

The event will present a queer music showcase with bands including DoublePlusGood from Portland, Caleb Nichols from San Luis Obispo, Grave Saddles from Southern California and Jean Shorts Jesus from Corvallis. 

There will be complimentary refreshments provided and a photo booth for taking pictures.

If anyone is looking to have a special hairstyle done before the prom, Bitterhalfbooking encourages attendees to head over to see Raw Hair Society, their sponsor, where they will be offering low-cost, gender-affirming hair styling at their salon on the day of prom. For a breakdown of other inclusive salons in Corvallis, check out this article.

According to Caitlin Garets, co-owner of Bitterhalfbooking, events like this are a passion project for them. They aren’t in it for money, but rather to ensure safe, accessible spaces for live music that aren’t motivated by profit. More than that, though, they want to offer inclusivity. 

“It is important to us to create show spaces that are welcoming and inclusive of marginalized people who have been historically excluded from participation in mainstream music scenes,” Garets said. “Everyone deserves access to DIY punk communities.”

Because of this belief, they will require masks for attendees to ensure the safety of disabled and high-risk participating members of the community.

To check out more information and purchase tickets, the link to the Eventbrite is here (and includes some music videos from the bands for those interested in checking them out). 

Bitterhalfbooking is also running a “Promposal Sweepstakes” on their Instagram. To participate, people can tag @bitterhalfbooking in a photo or video of their promposal and be entered to win a gift certificate from The Dizzy Hen.