Rainbow prom a first for Hamilton public board

The school prom was both typical and extraordinary.

A deejay played the latest tunes. A photographer took pictures of happy young couples. Students elected a prom king and queen.

But students celebrated Rainbow Prom 2010 at Hill Park Secondary School for what made it extraordinary: it was Hamilton's first school prom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students.

"It's probably the most amazing thing I've done in my career as a teacher," said Nancy Sullivan, a science teacher who helps run Hill Park's Positive Space group, a club for LGBTQ students.

"Boys could dance with boys. Girls could dance with girls. You could see the awkward first blush of interest. You could see the excitement of being able to be yourself and dance with who you want.

"It really was a moment that I knew for these students was life-changing."