Valentine's Mock Weddings at iPrep
By Karyssa Handal, a Sophomore at iPrep Academy
By Karyssa Handal, a Sophomore at iPrep Academy
Club Sponsor Ms. Keller explains that over twenty years ago, the idea of Mock Weddings was founded by her former school: Dr. Michael Krop High School. However, in 2015, iPrep Academy hosted their first “Mock Wedding Day,” where the Gay And Straight Alliance sponsored real “mock” weddings and sold rings to raise money from this event.
The consensus from club members and faculty is that the point of the event is to celebrate love, commemorate Valentine’s Day, allow people to be with whoever they want, and be accepted since it is important to the school. The point of the Mock Weddings is to promote love between friendships, togetherness, and respect while doing a fun activity.
But this year, the iPrep National English Honor Society is sponsoring Mock Weddings as an “ally club” to raise funds, which are used to help carry out the clubs’ mission of providing a safe space for all students, queer youth and allies.
In the past, students got excited, and told their classmates about the event, resulting in many people participating and getting “married” many times. Multiple students have said that it is fun to propose and get married, as a joke. Even students who don’t get married love to spectate.
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"Couple" celebrating their 2022 wedding
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GSA and NEHS members get first dibs on what time they want to get “married,” due to the students having different schedules, and not being able to attend the ceremony simultaneously. During the 5-minute “Mock Wedding ceremony,” couples face an officiant, listen to vows, and say “I do,” just like in a real wedding. Then they take pictures together.
Teachers and administration holding up their rings for the 2022 weddings
Javier Gomez, iPrep alumni, and past president of the GSA explains that when he came out in middle school, he never found a stable, affirming, or loving community. He lacked confidence and was eager to find his identity in this pervasive world. When he entered his first meeting in High school, he knew he belonged and wanted to be as involved as possible. In the 10th grade, he became Press Secretary and then President in the 11th and 12th grades. He made it his goal to continue fostering the same haven for other queer students. GSA is a safe space, so during his time as an officer of the club, he aimed to educate members about LGBTQ+ history, affirm identities, and create long-lasting safe spaces that counteract the bigotry that exists in iPrep, households, and the world. In a world where the right to marriage is constantly jeopardized and our identities are vilified, traditions like GSA weddings are essential for queer unity. Javier says: “We created weddings because they bring unity amongst the hate, they are a gesture of fun amongst the mundane, an escape from reality, and a liberating break from responsibilities, symbolizing hope, radical love, and joy. They are a tribute to the everlasting advocacy of same-sex marriage activists, and an echo to keep fighting for queer liberation.”
A collage of some of the 2022 weddings
Since “Mock Wedding Day” is held on Valentine’s Day it is a fun activity for the GSA and NEHS to sponsor. Some of the GSA Officers explain this event best:
Amelie Ise, Secretary of the GSA, expressed: “It’s one of those events you see and you don't forget because it's unique to iPrep. You see it and you want to be involved. I remember being in 8th grade and getting excited to be able to participate next year”.
Nicole Cohen, the GSA Community Outreach Coordinator, said: ”During February there are usually a lot of tests, and the students are usually stressed and overwhelmed. The Mock Weddings are a good relief from all the stress”.
Christina Ganem, Gay, And Straight Alliance president, explained: “The wedding day experience is so much fun. You can tell everyone is enjoying themselves and having fun”.