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a plotline about the protagonist's attempt to throw a "morp," i.e., "prom" spelled backward. One thing the ALSO Youth party is not is a "gay prom," Swift emphasizes. The party's not just for gay and lesbian teens, but also for anyone between the ages of 14 and 20 who doesn't feel "comfortable" at a typical prom, anyone who's looking for an "alternative space." The soirée will come complete with a prom-like theme, A Summer Night, and will feature food and refreshments, raffle prizes, a photo booth and, of course, music and dancing. The party is also not a fundraiser. ALSO Youth survives on donations, and it often throws galas and brunches for donors, but Alt Prom is different. "This is the first big youth event," Swift says. The organization leaders think 200 teens will attend, although plenty of tickets remain. "Not many kids have PayPal accounts," Swift notes. ALSO Youth was formed in 1992 by locals concerned about shockingly high suicide rates among gay and lesbian teens. Its main mode of outreach remains its popular Drop-In Center, a safe spot for kids to hang out. Peer support groups meet there, as well. A safe spot — just like ODA will become Saturday night. "If the youth have a good time," Swift says, "we'd like to do this every year." Alternative Prom will run 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at The Out-of-Door Academy's Lakewood Ranch campus, 5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota. Tickets are $20. For more info, visit alsoyouth.org. % ALSO Youth's Drop-In Center. Photo courtesy of Molly Swift Sarasota News Leader May 9, 2014 Page 37